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Xen is looking for Guest Posters!

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That’s right! We want to work with YOU.

Do you have a fantastic travel story, or a must-read travel tip that you want to share? Do you want to give us an insight into your hometown? Or have you traveled somewhere we haven’t featured on the blog yet?

Well, we would love to feature your work on Xen! Shoot us an email (find this in our FAQ section), or contact us on our Instagram or Facebook, and let us know how you would like to contribute to Xen. Whether you’re an emerging or seasoned writer; planning your very first trip or a veritable nomad, we want to hear from you.

Submissions of all lengths will be considered, and those that fit with the tone and style of Xen will be highly regarded. Take a look at some of our posts to get a good idea of what we’re all about, and then let your writing do the talking.

We can’t wait to hear from you!

-Laura and Kate, The Xen Team

My Travel Goals for 2019

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By Laura Jemetta

It’s New Years Eve today, and I’m already thinking and planning all the travel I’m hoping to do in 2019. In reality, I’ve been thinking about it since my last trip to Hawaii earlier this year, but now I thought it would be fun to share these goals with you!

  1. Go to New York. Twice – That’s right. I’m planning on visiting New  York twice this year. Once will be with Kate in August, it’s looking like the second time will be during Christmas time with my family. It’s one of my favourite places in the world, and I would probably visit 10 times a year if I could afford it! Most of my plans for visiting New York again involve seeing shows, (which you will find out about below), but I’m also excited to have some other uniquely New York experiences.
  2. Take my first solo flight – I won’t technically be taking a solo trip in 2019 (as far as I know), but I will be taking my first solo flight and meeting Kate in the US next year. I’m looking forward to the new experience, and I’m confident that I’ll be able to handle everything airplane travel brings, by myself.
  3. See London – 2019 is going to be the year that I finally visit England. My Dad was born in London, but I haven’t managed to make it over there yet. I’m excited to visit and do all the touristy things (read: see more shows). I think I’m most excited to do the Warner Brother’s Studio Tour, which has it’s own entry in this list!
  4. Visit Family in England – We have lots of family in the UK, so I’m excited to travel to London and Manchester to visit them. Some of them I’ve not met, and some of them have visited us in Australia, so it will be nice to see them in their own hometown.
  5. Go to Sara Beth’s for Brunch – I know there is so much wonderful food to be found in New York, but I’ve always had this thing about having brunch at Sara Beth’s. Now, I’m not sure if it really is going to be the best brunch ever, or if it’s one of those touristy things, but next year, I’m just going to try it!
  6. Drink Hot Chocolate in Central Park – When I was in New York last year, there was a strange heat wave going on, even though it was late September. So since then, I’ve been dreaming of being in New York in the cooler weather, and I can’t think of anything better than wandering Central Park, rugged up in a coat, with a hot drink in hand.
  7. See Hamilton on Broadway – As much as I love Hamilton, (and I do. A lot.), I was really late to the party. Kate tried to get me to listen to it for a couple of years, before I actually did, and now that I have, I’m kicking myself that I didn’t do it earlier, because I could have seen it when I was in New York last year. So: seeing Hamilton on Broadway is pretty much top of my list for New York next year.
  8. See Frozen on Broadway – Okay, if you don’t know by now, I love musicals. And the plan for next year is to see as many shows as possible in New York. I really want to see Frozen the Musical – I actually re-watched Frozen last night, and all I was thinking about was how amazing it will be to see it on stage!
  9. Do the Warner Bro’s Studio Tour in London – So this is probably the top of my list if things to do in London. You probably know by now how much we love Harry Potter here at Xen, so I’m so excited to experience the next best thing to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, when I’m in London.
  10. See the Rockerfeller Center Christmas Tree – To me, there’s nothing more iconic about Christmas in New York than the Christmas Tree at the Rockerfeller Center. There’s something so magical about it, and I really hope our Christmas plans work out, so that I can see it in person in 2019.

Let me know some of your travel goals for 2019 in the comments below – I’d love to hear! Don’t forget to check out my posts about my adventures in New York in 2017 – like my tips on free things to do in New York City, and my guide to the Subway system in NYC!

Stay tuned for lots of exciting posts in the New Year about Kate’s trip to Peru, and my travels to the US and UK!

What I Wear on Long Haul Flights

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I only have one rule for clothes when I travel: Comfort. Comfort. Comfort. That’s right – I don’t really consider anything else, except maybe looking halfway like an adult that can dress themselves. Aside from that, I just want to be comfortable.



Now, like I mentioned (in depth if I’m honest) in my post about getting through long haul flights, I’m not the greatest flyer. I do it as often as I do because it gets me where I want to go, but flying isn’t really any fun for me. As grateful as I am to be able to travel, I just want to get where I’m going, and be as comfortable as possible while doing it.



When flying, there aren’t many things that are actually in your control, so I make it a point to control what I can – (do I have an issue with control? I’d say it’s likely) – and one of those things is what I wear.


Here we go:



Tracksuit Pants



Is this obvious? I don’t know. I’ve seen people board a 15 hour flight wearing jeans, and if that’s not insane, I don’t know what is. I always, always, always wear tracksuit pants on long haul flights. I have a specific style that I always wear – they’re super comfortable, lightweight and soft. It literally makes me feel like I’m wearing pajama bottoms on the plane, which makes it a tiny bit easier for me to try and fall asleep.


T-Shirt


I follow up the tracksuit pants with a loose t-shirt. This ones pretty much a no-brainer. If I’m headed somewhere warm, the t-shirt comes in handy for my arrival, and if I’m leaving somewhere cold or headed somewhere cold, I layer.


Warmth


Ah, the aforementioned layers. This consists of two items of clothing. First is my trusty denim jacket – it’s been on all my trips with me, so it’s well loved and nice and comfy. For some reason, I find airports and airplanes seriously cold, so I have this on until at least after take off. Secondly, I always pack a sweatshirt in my carry-on backpack with me to put on during the flight. Sometimes my jacket can be too bulky, so I usually swap to this jumper when I’m going to try and get some sleep. This saves me huddling under the airplane blanket for warmth, and also adds to the pajama feeling.


Footwear


When I fly, I always prefer to wear shoes that I can just slide on and off at security. I slightly panic when I go through security, even when I know I don’t have anything in my bag I’m not supposed to! So to not add to that, I usually avoid lace-up shoes. Instead, I wear my tried and true ‘Birkenstocks’, (read: imitation Birkenstocks), so that the process is as quick and painless as it can be. Once I’m on the plane and going to try and sleep, I also put on a pair of comfy socks, so that I can curl up on my seat without cold feet.



There you have it – what I wear on long haul flights. Let me know in the comments if you have a different ‘flight uniform’, or if you’re going on a long haul flight soon!

It’s Christmas Eve!

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That’s right, it’s Christmas Eve, so we are wishing you a very Merry Christmas – from the Xen family to yours!

Unfortunately due to the business of the season and our work committments, we had to leave our 12 Days of Christmas at Day 10, but we will be back to our regular posting schedule after Christmas!

We are so proud to have started Xen this year, and we hope you will join us for all the exciting travels we have planned for 2019!

Merry Christmas and we hope you enjoy the holiday season!

From Laura and Kate – the Xen Team.

Laura’s Top Five: Christmas Holiday Destinations

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Today is Day Eight of Xen’s 12 Days of Christmas! Today I’m sharing my wishlist of destinations I would love to see at Christmas time. I’ve never been in a different city during the Christmas season, but I’d leave Melbourne for a Christmas in any of these five places. 

1. New York

I already love New York – the bustling, frenetic energy, the sprawling city-scape, the melting pot of art, culture, history and entertainment; I love it all. And I think the only thing that could make me love NYC any more is combining New York and Christmas. I’m thinking, Going to the Winter Village in Bryant Park, seeing the Rockerfeller Center Christmas Tree, and walking through Central Park with a hot chocolate. You can also check out my post about 5 free things to do in New York, and my Budget Friendly Tips for New York Accommodation, if you’re going to be in New York over Christmas. 

2. Manchester

My Dad grew up in Manchester, and I haven’t been there yet! I would love to see Manchester at Christmas, and to meet the English family that I’ve not met yet. I think it would be really lovely to be in England at Christmas time, and to celebrate a proper White Christmas with the family that I’ve spoken to on the phone and heard so much about. 

3. London

I also have lots of family in London, and there’s so much I want to do and see in London, so I think it would be the perfect Christmas destination. I’d love to see the lights and decorations at Harrods, and to do Christmas shopping on Oxford Street, and of course, to see a couple of shows! Perhaps at the top of my list is the Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio Tour – which I hear gets a special Christmas makeover this time of year. It sounds like the Harry Potter tour would be even more magical in December – though I’m wondering if that’s even possible considering how much I love Harry Potter! If you’re going to be in London around Christmas, don’t forget to check out Kate’s guide to the London Underground. 

4. Berlin

I have an idea of a perfect Christmas in my mind: it involves a snowy European city like Berlin, with me rugged up to the max (gloves needed!), and perusing a Christmas market sparkling with fairy lights. We don’t really have anything like the Christmas Markets of Europe here in Australia, and I would love just once to experience one. Combine that with Berlin being almost top of my European to-do list, and you have once of my ideal Christmas destinations. 

5. Honolulu

If you’ve been reading since Xen started, you’ll know that I love Hawaii. I’ve been twice, and I think it’s one of the most beautiful and atmospheric places in the world. The people are absolutely lovely, and the spirit of Hawaii is warm and bright. With that in mind, I know I would love a Hawaiian Christmas – one that is ‘green and bright’ like here in Australia. I imagine a Hawaiian Christmas would be slow and relaxing, spent soaking up the beautiful weather, probably with a trip down to the beach, and in the midst of a stunning landscape. It sounds perfect to me! If you’re thinking about a Hawaiian Christmas, check out my post about 5 Ways to See Oahu, to get some ideas on unique ways to experience beautiful Hawaii. 

There you have it, my Top Five Christmas Holiday Destinations. Tell me in the comments where in the world you would love to spend Christmas, and don’t forget to check out Kate’s Top Five here

Buying Gifts for Your Friends and Family Back Home

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By Kate Arnold

Whether it’s Christmastime or not, when I’m travelling I always want to buy some small gifts for my family and friends back home. 

Don’t Get Souvenirs 

In general I think that souvenirs are a waste of money, even for people who visit the attraction. Your friends and family who haven’t been to see the Eiffel Tower probably don’t want a tiny statue of it. Fridge magnets of the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building won’t be that appealing to people who haven’t experienced those attractions. 

Get Something They Can Use

I think the best gifts are something that can be used. I bought my sister a Frida Kahlo keyring from The Strand in New York because she was just about to move and she loves Frida Kahlo. She uses it every single day and always tells me how much she loves it. My friend collects mugs so I bought her one that I found a shop in London and it’s something that she can use and enjoy.

Don’t Get Something Too Big or Heavy

Either you have to ship it home or take it back with you and either way you don’t want something too big or heavy weighing down your bags or jacking up the shipping price. 

Think About Customs

You don’t want to spend heaps of money on a gift only to have it confiscated by customs when you get home. I’ve bought home Dutch cheeses for family members and haven’t had a problem but make sure you consider customs when you’re buying foods, wooden objects or large quantities of alcohol. Check with your country’s customs policies, some of them may surprise you. For example: Australia does not allow fake designer goods or pirated CDs or DVDs across its borders. You can bring in up to 2.25 litres of alcohol, duty free. You can bring back wooden and woven goods as long as they are not contaminated and they must be declared. You cannot bring any meat products into Australia but cheeses and other dairy products are okay as long as they are in sealed packaging. Lighters are okay, fireworks aren’t. You get it.

Good Gifts

  • Tote bags – so practical, useful and super lightweight so you can pack it easily
  • Mugs – useful, not too big and heavy, just make sure it’s well wrapped so that it doesn’t break in your suitcase
  • Pin badges – these are great because they are so small and you can tailor it to their interest
  • Jewellery – a small but meaningful gift and you it can be as inexpensive or expensive as you like 
  • Art – prints from museums you visit make great gifts and are super lightweight, just make sure it have stay flat in your suitcase
  • Food – as long as it’s properly seal and you know that you can get it through customs, food from the place that you’ve visited is a great gift like Italian parmesan cheese or Dutch Stroopwafel or British Marmite 
  • Alcohol – like with food, alcohol from the place you’ve visited would be a great gift for your family and friends of legal drinking age. Consumable gifts are totally underrated

Check out some of out other 12 Days of Christmas articles like Laura’s Guide to Melbourne at Christmas and my Top 5 Christmas Holiday Destinations.

What gifts do you buy for your friends and family when you go on holiday? Or what’s the worst gift you’ve received from someone who went overseas? Let me know in the comments!

Happy Holidays!

Kate’s Top Five Christmas Holiday Destinations

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By Kate Arnold

I’ve never travelled overseas for Christmas but hit definitely something that’s on my bucket list. Here are the top five places I want to visit at Christmas time.

1. Amsterdam

I have a lot of Dutch family so visiting them over Christmas would be incredible. So far I’ve never travelled internationally with any of my family and going to the Netherlands for Christmas with my mum and sisters would be an absolute dream. I’ve been to Amsterdam in the summer and it’s such a beautiful city but who wouldn’t want to see the canals in the wintertime? If you’re heading to Amsterdam some time in the future check out my article 10 Hidden Gems of Amsterdam and find some quirky places, off the beaten path that will make your visit brag-worthy as hell. 

2. London

It’s so hard to choose but I think that London is possibly my favourite place in the world. I image my Christmas holiday in London would include going ice-skating, drinking hot chocolates and going to see and show on the West End on Christmas Eve. Fingers crossed that it also snows. I recently heard that the famous Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree that is put up in London every year is a gift from Norway in gratitude of the British support in the Second World War. Ever since I heard this I’ve been dying see the Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square. Read up of the ins and outs of travelling on the tube in my article Your Guide to the London Underground.

3. New York

I mean do I have to explain this one? I was in New York City in October last year but the weather still hadn’t turned and it was so hot. Not the American fall experience that I was expecting (but still had a great time). I would absolutely love to see New York in the snow, wearing sweaters and coats and mittens (it’s never cold enough in Australia to wear mittens), going ice skating at Rockefeller Plaza and seeing as many shows on Broadways as possible. New York is expensive, especially at Christmas time, here are some budget friendly activities to do in Laura’s article, 5 Free Things to do in New York City.

4. Prague

This is the first one on the list that I haven’t visited yet but I’ve always wanted to go to Prague and it looks like a beautiful city during Christmas time. The Squares are filled with fairy lights and the Christmas markets just look downright magical. I’ve yet to visit anywhere in Eastern Europe but Prague is top of my list and the holiday season looks like the perfect time to start.

5. Lapland

So this one might seem random in comparison to the other destinations on this list but Lapland, Finland, is one of my top Christmas destinations because I’m dying to see the aurora borealis one day. I don’t know what traveller doesn’t have the Northern Lights on their bucket list so I know that this isn’t particularly original of me but who cares? I’ll get there one day and it will be breathtaking. 

Don’t forget to check out Laura’s 12 Day’s of Christmas articles so far: Gift Ideas for Travel-Lovers and her Christmas Guide to Melbourne and look out for her wishlist holiday destinations in the coming days.

What places are at the top of your list to visit during the holiday season? Or where have you been that you would recommend? And have you been to any of the places on my list and what did you love the best? I’d love to know in the comment section.

Happy Holidays!

Carols By Candlelight | Melbourne

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By Kate Arnold

Vision Australia’s Carols By Candlelight is an annual concert in the heart of Melbourne, just a short walk across the Yarra from Flinders Street Station, which raises money for the charity Vision Australia. All proceeds of ticket sales directly support children who are blind or have low-vision. It’s a magical evening for friends and families to enjoy and get into the Christmas spirit.

One of my favourite Christmas traditions is watching Carols By Candlelight on TV with my mum, grandma and my sisters. We crack open some white wine and buy nice cheeses and sing along to the whole show. Last year we went to Carols at the Sidney Myer Musical Bowl for the first time and here’s our experience and what we would do differently next time.

Get There EARLY

Every one knows this (theoretically WE knew this), but let me say it loud and clear for everyone in the back: Get. There. Early. The event starts at 8pm but you want to be getting there at 6:00 at the latest if you want to get great seating. We bought general admission lawn seats (the cheapest you could buy) so we weren’t expecting great views, but the only seats we could get were at the very back of the lawn and we arrived around 6:30 – 6:45. People camp out all day to get the best lawn seats so just be aware that that’s what you’re competing with.

Bring Blankets

I know, I know. Christmas is in the summertime in Australia but last year we were freezing. You can buy blankets at the event but they sell out pretty quickly and cost unspeakable amounts of money. You’ll want a picnic blanket to sit on (and some pillows because after a while the grass doesn’t feel so soft anymore) and fold up chairs are a good idea for any older family members you are bringing with you. 

Airport-like Security

It didn’t occur to us that there would be airport grade security to get into an event like this but of course there has to be. This means longer lines to get in, longer waiting times and bag searches. You are allowed to bring in bottled water that’s in a sealed plastic container (not environmentally friendly but a safety precaution). You are not allowed to bring in alcohol or any other drinks that are not in sealed containers (like the iced tea I’d made and sadly had to tip out onto the grass). You can buy alcohol at stands around the venue but it will cost you a pretty penny. 

Bring Food

Bring a picnic. Likewise with the alcohol you will be able to buy food like hot chips, burgers and other carnival foods but it’s damn expensive. We brought cheeses and crackers as well as homemade gingerbread biscuits and other finger food. Remember that the event goes over dinner time and you’ll be there pretty late so bring something substantial to eat so that you don’t end up spending hundreds on chips and sausage rolls and the food carts.

Consider Going to the Rehearsal

If you’ve already got Christmas Eve plans and you’re still interested in the event or you don’t want to shell out the money for the tickets then you should consider going to the rehearsal night on the 23rd of December. Tickets only cost $25 for adult and $15 for children. Unfortunately because the tickets are so cheap the rehearsal sells out fast – faster than the actual event – and there are none left for this year’s Carols By Candlelight rehearsal but you should definitely keep it in mind for next year. 

Get in the Christmas Spirt

Carols is really a magical experience because it brings families and friends together at a time of giving. It’s a great activity to get you into a festive mood before the big day. There are so many wonderful Christmas carols all about loving one another and isn’t that what Christmas is really all about? 

Carols By Candlelight is a great Christmastime activity to do with your family, if you are in Melbourne I would highly recommend going at least once. This year I’m happy to be watching Carols from my living room again but I’m so glad that we went last year and I would definitely go again in the future. Tickets are still available for Carols By Candlelight here.

Don’t forget to check out Laura’s Christmas Guide to Melbourne where she tells you all about Carols as well as other great things you can do in the holiday season like watching Christmas Movies at the Moonlight Cinema and visiting the famous Myers Christmas Windows on Bourke Street and going to the Summer Night Markets at the Queen Vic Markets.

What are your Christmas traditions? I’d love to hear about them in the comments. Have you been to Carols By Candlelight in Melbourne at the Sidney Myer Musical Bowl or do you watch it on TV every year like we do? Let me know.

Happy Holidays!

Christmas Guide to Melbourne

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Photo by Heidi Sandstrom. on Unsplash

On Day two of Xen’s 12 Days of Christmas, I’m bringing you a Christmas Guide to Melbourne. Whether you live in Melbourne, or you just want to see how we do Christmas here, this list has some fantastic options for getting into the festive spirit! 

Carols By Candlelight

Vision Australia’s Carols By Candlelight is my favourite part of Christmas in Melbourne. It’s an annual Christmas concert held on Christmas Eve at the Sydney Myer Music Bowl. It’s been a Melbourne tradition since 1938, where Australian musicians come together to perform Christmas carols to raise funds for Vision Australia – to support those who are blind or have low vision. Melbournian’s either watch the Carols from home on Christmas Eve, (like me), or they head to the music bowl to experience the Carols well, by candlelight. It’s my favourite way to get in the Christmas spirit, and relax before Christmas day. 

Summer Night Market

The Summer Night Market at the iconic Queen Vic Markets is the perfect way to start your Christmas celebrations off on the right foot – it’s basically a huge outdoor party, complete with strings of fairy-lights. Taking place on Wednesday nights from November 21 – March 20 (excluding Boxing Day), the market showcases over 60 global street food stalls, specialty shopping stalls, live music, and festival bars. It’s a lovely way to spend a summer night, maybe do some Christmas shopping, and start your Christmas celebrations with some loved ones. 

Moonlight Cinemas

You have to check out the film lineup at Moonlight Cinemas – in the lead up to Christmas you can watch Elf, the Grinch, and LOVE ACTUALLY under the stars in the Royal Botanic Gardens. If Christmas movies aren’t your thing, don’t worry – there are films on the program to suit everyone. You have several viewing options at Moonlight Cinemas, from packing your own picnic and relaxing on a blanket, to the ‘Gold Grass’ package, which includes a prime viewing location and food service. There are heaps of food and beverage options available to purchase (including alcoholic beverages!) – but remember that Moonlight Cinemas is now cashless, so don’t forget your debit card. 

Ice Skating (at the Summer Night Market)

Would you normally see ‘ice skating’ and ‘Summer night market’ in the same sentence? No. But, the Queen Vic Summer Night Markets have partnered with Air Canada to create the first outdoor Summer ice-rink in Melbourne! Have you dreamed on skating under the Rockerfeller Center’s iconic Christmas Tree? Or maybe in Central Park at Christmas time? Well, while I can’t offer you tickets to New York, I can tell you that you can take a spin around the ice-rink under the iconic sheds of the Queen Vic Markets. There will also be Christmassy treats to enjoy rinkside, including coffee, maple syrup ice-cream and poutine! The ice-rink will pop up for the first three weeks of Summer (closing on December 24), and will be a great way to add a little festive magic into your Christmas season!

Lido on the Roof

Another cinema-related entry – did you know that the Lido has a rooftop? That’s right, a rooftop cinema in the heart of Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn. The Lido is offering a bit of a Christmas program just like Moonlight Cinemas, so you can catch the new Grinch film, The Nightmare Before Christmas, or my personal favourite non-Christmas Christmas movie – Die Hard! Imagine kicking back on the roof of the Lido, drink in hand, and watching Die Hard in Summer night air. Sound heavenly? I think so. You can book tickets online or the Lido also offers gift vouchers if you would like to organise an experience for someone as a gift. 

The Myer Christmas Windows

A list about Christmas in Melbourne wouldn’t be complete without the Myer Christmas Windows. This is a free Christmas exhibition in the shopfront of Myer, Bourke Street which has delighted young and old alike for 63 years. This year the theme is Alice in Wonderland, so the windows will be decorated to the nines in magical Christmas-Wonderland style. The lines are almost always long, especially the closer it gets to Christmas, so you will probably have to wait. However, there’s almost nothing more iconically Melbourne at Christmas time than this tradition. 

There you have it – a Guide to Melbourne at Christmas-time. I hope some of these Melbourne experiences help you get into the Christmas spirit! 

Let me know below if you try out any of these experiences, or if you have in past years! 

-Laura

Gift Ideas for Travel-lovers

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We’re nearing that time of year again – Christmas time! That means it’s the time for gift buying and giving, and for collecting ideas for what to give your nearest and dearest. 

Have you got a travel-obsessed Mum, or a friend who’s heading off on a big trip in the new year? I’ve rounded up the best gift ideas for the travel lover in your life, below. 

Let’s start with my favourite – travel accessories. A lovely travel wallet or luggage tag always makes a fantastic and practical gift idea.You can check out my post on must-have travel accessories to find out why these are travel essentials. I’ve also rounded up some beautiful passport holders – (a non-essential, but lovely to have nonetheless) – and my favourite style of journal, which would make the perfect travel-journal. 

Reads from left to right, starting at the top-left corner

Travel Wallet: This is what I consider to be the perfect travel wallet – it has a zip for security, pockets for currency and boarding passes, a space for passports, and slots for travel cards and ID. It’s just the right size to fit everything they’ll need it to, without being cumbersome. An extra bonus for gifting purposes – you can even have it monogrammed with the recipient’s initials, or their travel destination, for a small extra charge.

Leather Notebook: I love this notebook from Kikki K – it’s actually a leather notebook holder that comes with a notebook inside. This way, when the notebook is finished, the recipient can buy another blank notebook, and take the sturdy leather cover on another trip. It’s a great gift idea – especially for your loved ones who like to record all their travel experiences. 

Passport Holder: This passport holder by Mimco is made of a textured synthetic leather, and makes a fun gift for the frequent traveller in your life. Mimco also offers personalisation services for this product – so you can have the recipient’s initials embossed on it for an extra special touch. 

Luggage Tag: Everybody needs a luggage tag for their suitcase, so if it’s in your budget, you can check out this one from Mimco – it’s textured synthetic leather, and it opens to reveal a clear window for all the ID information. 

Leather Luggage Tag: Here’s another luggage tag that’s a little bit more affordable, at $24.95 – it’s an eye catching colour, has an ID window, and can even be monogrammed as well. 

Black Passport Holder: Another passport holder for you – in a sophisticated black. This one can be monogrammed too – I think a nice rose-gold embossing against the black synthetic leather would be really lovely. 

City Map Print:  I love this idea for a Christmas gift – pick a city that you know the recipient loves, or has always wanted to see, and order a city map for them.You could order two or three prints, which makes a really nice wall gallery. My tip is to order the print in a standard size, and then grab some cheaper frames from Kmart, to make them look really beautiful on a budget. 

Travel Notebook:  Pick up this travel notebook from Kikki K as a cute stocking stuffer – your loved one can keep all of their travel related notes together in it, or even take it on their trip with them. 

Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travelist:  You’ll know that Lonely Planet publishes some awesome travel guides – but in the Ultimate Travelist Lonely Planet compiles 500 of the best places on the planet. This would be a great gift for travel inspiration. 

Lonely Planet Travel Guides: The Lonely Planet Guides make fantastic gifts, especially if you know your loved one has a trip planned.There are so many guides, that there’s almost certainly one out there for wherever the recipient is going. 

Bucket List Book: I wish I had one of these Bucket List books – they can be used to set goals ahead of time, as well as to record when a goal is achieved. These notebooks make great gifts for travel-lover’s to record all the places they dream of visiting. 

Packing List Notepad: This packing list from Kikki K makes another great stocking stuffer. Everyone can use a handy packing list for travelling – nothing worse than leaving something important behind! 

There you have it: the travel-lover’s gift guide! If you have a travel lover in your life, (or maybe it’s you!), any of these travel-related products would make a lovely gift! 

Leave a comment below if this gift guide was helpful, or if there’s anything you would add to it!