What is the perfect gift for a travel writer other than, say, an aisle seat on an international flight? Travel writers haven’t been working much this year, which means 2020 may go down as one of the worst years since the Great Recession. As our guests noted a few months ago when talking about coronavirus and the future of travel writing, publishers have been reducing their staff or folding, and travel writers have been struggling to find work. Everyone loves to receive gifts, but this year travel writers would be especially grateful.
We have gift recommendations that fit all budgets. The gifts for travel writers on our list include practical, luxurious, and inspirational items—like a new notebook, a top-of-the-line camera or computer, and a classic travel book.
Notebooks and journals
Travelers, writers, and especially travel writers love notebooks and journals. Notebooks are practical gifts. You can rest assured that a notebook won’t be regifted or shoved in some dark closet.
That said, many writers are picky when it comes to their notebooks and journals, so it is best that you snoop around and see what type of book they like to use.
If you’re having trouble getting intel on their favorite notebook, you can’t go wrong with a Rhodia Webnotebook, a Leuchttrum1917, or a Moleskine journal. For those who prefer smaller notebooks and journals, consider the pocketable and beautiful Field Notes brand of notebooks.
Technology
If you are one of the lucky few who has a lot of money to spend on gfts this year, and you’re feeling generous, consider upgrading their tools of the trade.
Writers love the new MacBook Pro, especially now that they come with new keyboards. The new 2020 MacBook Pro have an all-new keyboard design because pre-2020 keyboards were prone to malfunctioning — a deal-breaker for anyone who writes for a living. But now that issue is resolved. If you find MacBook models confusing, search for the “mid-2020” models or later with a “Magic Keyboard.”
Looking to upgrade the kit of a photography enthusiast? Sony’s mirrorless A7R IV and A7 III are fantastic machines and excellent, lightweight options when compared to their dSLR ancestors. The Sony cameras have great low-light abilities, a wide range of lenses, and full-frame high resolution imaging.
What about splurging on a new pair of noise-cancelling travel headphones like the AirPod Pros or a pair from Sony?
Does the travel writer on your list conduct interviews or dictate? Consider treating them to a new field recorder like the Sony ICD-UX570, the 3-mic Olympus LS-P4, or the Tascam DR-05X for lightweight recording.
Books & Reading
Gifting your favorite travel writer some literature is never a bad idea.
Are they a card-carrying Kindle reader? Consider upgrading their Kindle. The Kindle Paperwhite is the perfect size to toss in a purse and travel with.
If your giftee is a traditionalist, inspire them with classic travel books in paperback. Some fan-favorites are Theroux’s Great Railway Bazaar, Iyer’s Video Night in Kathmandu, and Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods.
Or, for the lover of words, consider the quirky and adorable The Adventurer’s Glossary by Joshua Glenn and Mark Kingwell as a stocking stuffer.
If they prefer audiobooks, consider purchasing them a gift subscription to Audible for 3, 6, or 12 months.
If you live in the United States, we urge you to purchase your travel books from Bookshop, an online store that supports independent bookstores.
Stocking-stuffers and knick-knacks
Books are the perfect low-spend gift, but if you’re looking to give something even more nerdy, consider giving a literary-inspired knick-knack.
Looking for a literary umbrella? A bookish scarf? Funny bookends? A snarky coffee mug? The Literary Gift Company has got you covered.
Are you a travel writer? What gifts would you love to unwrap this year?
Last Updated on 21 September 2021 by Travel Writing World
