travel theme treats

45+ Delicious and Creative Food Ideas for a Travel-Themed Party

By: Author Valerie Forgeard

Posted on Published: January 10, 2023  - Last updated: July 1, 2023

Categories Culture

Are you looking for the perfect food ideas for a travel-themed party? Whether it’s a bridal shower, a birthday party, or even a Harry Potter party, we’ve got you covered! You can choose from so many amazing and unique recipes from around the world that your guests will be impressed with your culinary skills.

From New York pizzas to Mediterranean olive oil – and of course, there’s some delicious chocolate inspiration, too – in this guide, you’ll find all the food ideas you need to make your travel-themed party one to remember. So let’s explore some of these delicious treats that will delight any guest on any occasion!

Food Ideas for Various Party Themes

International hors d’oeuvres.

Serve a variety of small bites that represent different cuisines from around the world. Some options might be:

• Sushi is the perfect finger food, especially when served in bite-sized portions. Try sushi rolls with smoked salmon, cream cheese, cucumber slices, tuna or eel with avocado and cucumber slices, or shrimp tempura rolls with cucumber, carrots, ginger, and wasabi sauce.
• Empanadas – This savory pastry is famous in Latin American countries such as Argentina, Chile, and Brazil. Empanadas can be filled with meat or cheese and are baked or deep-fried until golden brown on the outside and soft on the inside. Serve them warm, which is when they taste best! Most grocery stores have frozen empanadas that are easy to prepare.
• Samosas – This Indian appetizer consists of deep-fried dumplings filled with potatoes, peas, and spices.
• Bruschetta – Prepare this Italian appetizer by spreading slices of bread with olive oil and topping them with tomatoes, basil leaves, and salt and pepper.
• Vegetarian hors d’oeuvres – many people like to eat vegetarian, so be sure to include some vegetarian options on your menu. For example, you could offer spinach pancakes or stuffed mushrooms for vegetarians.
• Vegetable platter – offers a selection of raw vegetables and dips such as hummus or baba ghanoush.
• Pita bread with tzatziki sauce – make your tzatziki sauce by mixing Greek yogurt with cucumbers, garlic, and dill weed. You can also buy it at most grocery stores.

Street Food

For a travel-themed party, you can set up a station where guests can create their own street food-inspired dishes. To do this, you’ll need some serving platters, bowls, and utensils, and you can provide all the ingredients for each dish on a table.

Set up a station where guests can create their street food-inspired dishes, such as:

• Tortillas – Tortillas are commonly eaten in Mexican cuisine. They can be served as finger foods with salsa or guacamole dip.
• Fried rice – set up a station where guests can make their fried rice. You’ll need cooking oil and rice (white or brown).
• Noodle bowls – set up a station where guests can make their noodle bowl with noodles (ramen or udon), vegetables, and protein (shrimp, chicken, or beef).

You could also set up an international food bar where guests can choose from different dishes and ingredients they like best.

You could host a Mexican night with tacos and burritos; an Asian night with pho (Vietnamese noodles) or ramen (Japanese noodles); an Italian night with pasta and lasagna; an Indian night with samosas (deep-fried dumplings filled with vegetables) and naan bread; and a French night with crepes with fresh fruit or Nutella (chocolate-hazelnut spread).

Travel-Themed Main Courses

You can’t go wrong with these main dishes if your party is travel-themed.

• Beef Goulash with Pasta – This recipe is hearty, filling, and meaty! It’ll satisfy even the pickiest eaters at your party! Beef goulash is perfect for those who enjoy hearty meals like burgers or sandwiches. You can serve this dish with rice or mashed potatoes on the side if you want something lighter than pasta or noodles.
• Chicken Enchilada Casserole – Another hearty dish that is very popular at parties! It has the same flavors as traditional enchiladas, but without rolling the corn tortillas into little tubes, you have to make it yourself if you make it from scratch. It’s also easy to make and reheat before serving – so perfect for a party!
• Chili con carne – Chili con carne is one of my favorite slow cooker recipes because it’s so easy and delicious! There are so many ways to make chili con carne, but this recipe is one of my favorites because it has great flavor without being overly spicy or sour (like some chilies can be).
• Vegetarian Chili – Vegetarian chili is often made with beans and other legumes but can also be meatless. This recipe uses black beans, but you can also use kidney beans, chickpeas, or lentils. Be sure to add plenty of vegetables to your chili, so it doesn’t get too dry.
• Spicy Thai Beef Lettuce Wrap s – These healthy, tasty wraps make an excellent appetizer for your meal. Fill them with beef and veggies or chicken and avocado if you prefer!
• Grilled Lamb Skewers with Greek Yogurt Marinad e – These skewers are perfect for summer parties because they’re grilled outside on the grill instead of in the oven.
• Baked Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce – This salmon is baked in foil packets, making it easy to transport and serve at a party. The lemon dill sauce gives it a delicious flavor without being too spicy.
• Baked Falafel Burgers with Tahini Sauc e is one of my favorite foods, so I decided to make it into a burger! It’s delicious, easy to make, and has excellent flavor.
• Chicken Satay Skewers – Chicken satay skewers are great for parties because they’re small and easy to eat! You can prepare them ahead of time and keep them warm in the oven until you’re ready to serve them! They also taste great dipped in peanut sauce!
• Vegetarian pasta – You can’t go wrong with a pasta dish at your travel-themed party. This is the perfect recipe to get your friends talking about their favorite travel destinations or past travel experiences.
• Quinoa Pilaf – Quinoa pilaf is another versatile vegetarian main dish that can be served alongside any side dishes or salads at your travel-themed event. This recipe includes dried cranberries, almonds, and raisins.
• Hotdogs on Skewers – Hotdogs on skewers can be served with fresh tomato slices, pickles, and mustard. The hotdogs can be purchased at your grocery store and put in long sticks from the craft store. This is a dish that everyone will enjoy!
• Baked Potatoes – Baked potatoes are easy to prepare and perfect for vegetarians. Bake the potatoes in the oven with butter, salt, and pepper. You can add some vegetables or cheese to make this dish more filling for your guests.
• Spicy Tofu Stir Fry – Tofu is an excellent substitute for meat in many dishes. It has a firm texture and absorbs flavor well, making it perfect for stir fry dishes. This recipe calls for a hot seasoning blend, but you can also use your favorite blend or make your own with sesame oil, chili paste, or Sriracha sauce.
• Roasted Cauliflower Soup – Cauliflower makes an excellent base for soups because it thickens nicely when cooked. Roasting the cauliflower before adding it to the soup adds flavor and keeps this dish low in calories and healthy!

Travel-Themed Desserts

Create a dessert table inspired by your international guests. If you invite people from different countries to your travel party, serve them their favorite sweets from their home country.

You can serve desserts inspired by different destinations around the world, such as:

• French Macarons are made from almond flour, beaten egg whites, and sugar. These little treats are colorful and delicious! They come in many flavors, but some of the most common include vanilla, chocolate, and pistachio.
• Italian Gelato – Gelato is a famous Italian ice cream made with milk, cream, and eggs. It’s often served with toppings such as chocolate French fries or nuts. It’s known for its creamy texture and lightness compared to American ice cream because it contains less fat than regular ice cream. Less air is added during the manufacturing process, making it lower in calories than other types of ice cream. If you don’t want to make it yourself, you can buy it at bakeries or grocery stores near you or find it on Amazon.
• Moroccan sweets – In Morocco, they’re known as baklava. They’re made from phyllo dough and filled with syrup or honey or nuts like pistachios or almonds or walnuts or cashews or dates or figs or raisins.
• Black forest cake consists of a layer of chocolate sponge cake filled with cherries and whipped cream and sprinkled with chocolate French fries (black forest cake).
• Japanese Matcha Cake – Matcha is a green tea powder used in Japanese cuisine and desserts. It consists of specially grown green tea leaves ground into a fine powder. Instead, you can use it in any cocoa powder or baking soda/powder cake recipe!
• English trifle : This is one of the most popular English desserts, and it only takes a few minutes to prepare. The main ingredients are sponge cake soaked with sherry or whiskey and garnished with cream and fresh fruit.
• Portuguese Pasteis de Nata : These custard tarts are very popular in Portugal and are perfect as a dessert. Plus, they’re very easy to prepare!

Easy Party Food Ideas

Cheese and charcuterie.

Party food doesn’t have to be complicated. When hosting a party, it’s always important to keep things simple and easy to eat. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still whip up something delicious and fun!

Cheese and charcuterie boards are a great way to show off your culinary skills and entertain your guests. They’re also perfect for parties because they can be prepared in advance and then placed on the table at the last minute. No one will ever know!

It’s best to put together a selection of cheeses and meats from different regions, along with sides like olives, pickles, and bread. This is an excellent option if your guests have different tastes or allergies – make sure everyone knows what’s on the board so they can avoid foods they don’t like or have restrictions for (e.g., vegetarians).

Travel-Themed Snacks

Provide a snack mix with international flavors, such as wasabi peas, spicy nuts, and Sriracha-flavored popcorn.

• Beach-themed snacks – have tropical drinks on hand for guests to sip while they mouth beach balls made of cheese or pineapple slices with toothpicks.
• Theme park snacks – serve pretzel necklaces and animal crackers shaped like roller coasters for the kids and hot dogs for the adults.
• Music festival treats – serve fruit skewers with marshmallows on sticks, mini doughnuts dusted with powdered sugar, and mini sandwiches cut into triangles that look like water bottles with your favorite band’s name on them.
• French fries and dips – serve your favorite salsa with French fries or offer different dips like hummus or baba ganoush.
• Candy bars – wrap candy bars in colorful cellophane bags and tie them together with colorful ribbons for an easy DIY party favor.
• Pretzels – bake homemade pretzels in the oven and serve them with dipping sauces, like honey mustard or chocolate ganache.
• Gingerbread – bake a batch of gingerbread cookies and decorate them with sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
• Popcor n – popcorn is one of the easiest party foods to make (and eat!). You can even make caramel popcorn and decorate it with nuts or candy.
• Hummus and Pita French fries – serve this classic Mediterranean appetizer as part of a snack spread – it goes with just about anything!

Drinks for a Travel-Themed Party

Set up a station with a variety of international drinks, such as:

• Sake – The Japanese rice wine sake is served warm or cold in the winter and at room temperature in the summer. Sake has been drunk in Japan for over 2,000 years!
• Chai Tea – Chai tea is a traditional Indian drink made from black tea leaves, spices such as ginger and cardamom, milk, and sugar. It’s usually served steaming hot but can also be enjoyed cold or iced in the summer.
• Horchata – This sweet drink is popular in Mexico and Central America, especially in Mexico City.
• Cocktail station – set up a cocktail bar where you can mix drinks like lychee martinis or Moscow Mules.
• Wine and cheese bar – set up an area with various cheeses, crackers, and wines for guests to enjoy.
• Beer Garden – Set up a beer garden with tables and chairs, umbrellas, and potted plants.

Inspiration for Your Lunch or Dinner Party Decor

You can host your travel-themed party by decorating your home with travel-related items. You can also make a travel board game for your guests to play. For example

• Travel posters are easy to find online or in a local store. They come in all sizes and colors, so you can choose what you like best. They look beautiful on the walls of your home, especially when combined with other travel-themed decorations like balloons, etc.
• Travel books – you can display books on different travel themes, such as adventure, culture, nature, fancy places, etc., to add depth to your party theme.
• Balloons are inexpensive to decorate your home for any occasion and look fantastic when combined with other decorations such as posters, etc. You can use different colors, such as pastels if you want a feminine touch, or if you want something more vibrant, opt for bright colors like orange, red or green, yellow, etc., that will give your party a vivacious atmosphere!

Ideas for Party Games on the Theme of Travel

Party games are a fun way to get people talking and laughing. But if you’re planning a travel-themed party, why not incorporate games that help guests learn about the places they’ll be visiting?

Here are some ideas for games that will entertain your guests while helping them learn about your destination:

• Geography trivia game – ask guests to name five countries connected to their destination by land or water. For example, if you’re going to Mexico, ask them to name three countries that border Mexico. If you’re traveling to Europe, ask them to name five countries that border one of the European countries.
• What is in my bag? – Fill the bags with items related to different places in the world. Then give each guest a bag and ask them to guess which country each item is from without looking in their bag. This game is both educational and fun!
• The most significant difference between two cities – Get two groups together (one for each city) and have each group list three differences between their city and the other (e.g., one city has more skyscrapers than the other). Have each group share their answers so everyone can see how similar or different these cities are!

Related Articles

100 Incredible Travel Photo Ideas to Inspire Your Next Adventure

14 Reasons Why Educational Travel is Important

33 Easy Travel Snacks for your Airplane Carry-On Bag

Sharing is caring!

This post may contain affiliate links to products we recommend. You can read our disclosure for more information.

When I travel, the foodie in me always has to bring snacks for the trip. I always plan for easy travel snacks for a few reasons. For starters I’m not always sure what terminal I’ll be in at the airport so the food choices might get dicey once I get past security. Next, depending on the airline I’m flying there might not be great options once I board the plane (we’ve all been there). Lastly, I like to be prepared when I’m traveling even when I arrive at my final destination to have quick portable fuel sources on hand for when *hangry* hits in the form of easy travel snacks.

In this blog post I’ve compiled all of my favorite easy travel snacks into one ultimate packing list for your carry-on bag and I’ll walk you through my process for what to consider when selecting the best snacks to bring on a plane.

How to Pack Easy Travel Snacks for your Carry-On Bag

Depending on the length of my trip I usually bring a variety of snacks intended to carry-on a plane. I consider these easy to pack snacks, snacks that travel well, and also snacks that fall into the healthy(ish) convenience food category following these guidelines: 

• Food I can’t find at my final travel destination

Drink Mixers

• Airport Snacks (snacks to bring on a plane and at the airport terminal)
• Emergency snacks (for when I’m super hungry)
• Perishables
• Non-Perishables
• Sweet Treats/Comfort Items

These categories might look a little different for you but it helps to determine what you might need at least a week before your trip so that you have time to shop around. This will also help to keep your trip planning a little less stressful so that you can spend your time concentrating on the last minute things you need to do before you go out of town.

To verify what easy travel snacks you can and cannot carry on flights check out TSA’s security guidelines and the rules of each country for International flights. Keep in mind that TSA considers foods like yogurts and cooked oatmeal as “gels” and they will be confiscated at security (I learned this the hard way). For any other liquids review the guidelines but generally speaking most liquids and gels are allowed if they are less than 3.4oz/100 ml.

How to Transport your Easy Travel Snacks

My last consideration for packing easy travel snacks are the containers the food will travel in. For the most part I lean towards things that are easy to dispose of like foil, wax paper, plastic baggies, and repurposed takeout containers. However, in consideration of the environment I often try to lean to more sustainable options if I can, such as: silicon bags, collapsible cups, collapsible bowls, insulated containers, and beeswax paper. 

The con to these items is you will have to carry them in your luggage throughout your trip. But the pro of these items is being environmentally responsible, having a vessel you can reuse throughout your trip for something else, and some of these containers can keep your snacks from getting crushed, hot, or cold (triple bonus). 

I like Stasher Bags and Zip Top Bags for a reusable bag option. Both of these brands are super durable, always hold up really well for traveling, and are great to repurpose for other easy travel snacks on a trip. 

Silicone Bags

Stasher Bags

These are great reusable bags for packing your travel snacks on the go.

Zip Top Bags

We love these bags for items that can’t lay flat! The structure of the bag makes it easy to carry your snacks and keep them from being crushed in your carry-on luggage.

Collapsible bowls have also been one of my favorites for eating things like oatmeal on the go and pre-made meals I might travel with (in an effort to clean out my fridge before I head out of town). I also like these collapsible cups from Stojo to make drinks portable and they don’t take up much room. If you have space for something bigger I like using the Snack Swell thermos containers for some travel foods on my trips since its a small insulated container to keep food hot or cold.

Bowls and Cups

Stojo Collapsible Bowl

We are loving the STOJO Collapsible Bowl. This holds 36oz and is a reusable silicone bowl for hot and cold food which makes it perfect for travel, meal prep, to-go Lunch, camping, and hiking. This is also microwave & dishwasher safe.

S’well S’nack Food Container

We love the S’well S’nack Stainless Steel Food Container. It’s 24 ounces and great for holding food you are traveling with that you want to keep hot or cold. This will keep your food for 8 Hours Hot for 6 Hours Cold.

This is a smaller version of the bigger S’nack by S’well Food Container. Its 10oz and has Double-Layered Insulated walls to keep food and drinks cold for 10 hours and hot for 4 hours!

Stojo Collapsible Travel Cup

This collapsible travel cup comes with a straw and holds 16oz of liquid. Its reusable and pocket size for hot and cold drinks making it perfect for travel, camping, and hiking. Like the other Stojo products its microwave and dishwasher safe.

If you are traveling with any items that must stay at a colder temperature these PackIt Freezable pouches are a great option to transport your food. The PackIt Freezable pouch has groundbreaking cooling technology that includes freezable gel that is permanently built into the bag so that you don’t need to deal with separate ice packs.

To start collapse the bag flat and freeze in the freezer overnight until you are ready to use it. You can add any of the easy travel snacks that are perishable items in this post to store in this bag. You can also keep this item throughout your trip for other easy to pack snacks.

PackIt Freezable Pouch

This is our favorite travel product for traveling with items that are perishable and need to remain cold like yogurt and cheese. Simply pop the pouch in the freezer the night before your trip and it will keep your perishable snacks at the correct temperature for a few hours. This collapsible and folds up and comes in many colors!

My last favorite sustainable travel item is reusable wax paper. I like using the Bee’s Wrap brand. It takes a bit to get used to if you normally use regular wax paper. If you have a few baked goods, sandwiches etc. to carry while traveling it comes in handy to reuse a few times and store it completely flat in your carry on bag.

Bee’s Wrap

This Bee’s Wrap is an assorted 3 Pack great sustainable option. It’s plastic and silicone free reusable beeswax in 3 sizes great for traveling with sandwhiches.

Freezable Pouch

Freezable pouch

Order of Operations For Your Easy Travel Snacks

If you are planning to take some snacks to the airport for future travel plans my suggested cheat sheet of how to go about eating your easy travel snacks includes a simple order of consumption:

• Eat your perishable items first (for obvious reasons)
• Pack napkins and/or wet wipes (these are not always available as you are on the go)
• If you are bringing whole fruit wash these items before you get to the airport and use your napkin or paper towel as the vessel to carry the item (it also doubles as a napkin as you eat your fruit)
• Pack some travel utensils (for any snacks that require some deep diving or for complete meals)

Travel utensil set

Portable utensil set

Bamboo utensil set

My favorite snacks to bring on a plane.

Below is an easy travel snack list I’ve compiled of my favorite airport (and TSA) friendly snacks. I’ve grouped the items into perishable vs. non-perishable categories since I often will travel with a few perishable items that I strategize to eat first and then work my way through the rest of my snack stash either on the trip or eat other items during a longer flight to tide me over until I reach my destination. 

Perishable Easy Travel Snacks

For perishable easy travel snacks I always tend to pack food that can last a while at room temperature. Regardless of the length of your flight you’ll want items that won’t go bad in case it takes a while to get through security or to the airport (we’ve all been there!). Or even worse if your flight is delayed (done that!). On my list I usually include:

Cured Meats and Deli Meats

This includes salami, pastrami, pepperoni, ham, and turkey. These are great options because they can travel well at room temperature for short periods of time.

I think everyone loves cheese (even us lactose intolerant folks) and it travels well for short periods of time at room temperature. Some of my favorite cheese options are the Babybel Gouda Semisoft Cheeses. I like these because they have their own carrying case with the wax they are packaged in which qualifies the product as easy travel snack in my book.

My next favorite is Trader Joe’s Tapas cheese (it’s amazing! Grab it if you have a TJs near you). This includes several slices of three types of cheese including: Iberico, Cabra Al Vino (a.k.a. “ Drunken Goat “), and Manchengo. I really enjoy how the flavors in this set are so different and it feels very fancy while you are enjoying them.

Boiled Eggs

Boiled eggs are one of the best snacks for traveling. I typically boil eggs once a week so I’ll grab 2-4 for a flight or whatever is left over in my fridge for the week (this is also a good way to clean out your fridge before you head out of town). You can also purchase eggs that are already boiled from almost any local grocery store for an easy travel snack on an airplane.

Another fun option for hard boiled eggs is from a brand called Perfectly Peckish which sells hard boiled eggs in packs with a fun crunchy dip. Their selection includes:

• PECKISH Snackable Eggs & EVERYTHING Dip
• PECKISH Snackable Eggs & FRIED RICE Dip
• PECKISH Snackable Eggs & RANCHEROS Dip
• PECKISH Snackable Eggs & SALT & PEPITAS Dip
• PECKISH Snackable Eggs & RANCH Dip

Check out their store locator to find a store that sells these near you .

Crackers and/or Bread

I personally can’t have cheese and cured/deli meat without crackers or bread! These are easy to transport and can be stored at various temperatures which make them a great addition to your carry-on bag for an easy snack pairing (and crunch)!

I love fruit for an easy snack that travels well. The fruit that travels the best are apples, bananas, oranges, kiwi, and grapes. I like these fruits because they have their own “skin” which can serve as its own carrying case so that they don’t get squashed (thanks mother nature!).

For oranges you can even pre-slice these and add them to a travel container or baggie to eat right out of the peel (or peel them later). And for kiwi I like slicing these in half and using a spoon to scoop out the insides for easy eating. If you have never tried Golden Kiwi its a real treat (they taste like a cross between a mango and a strawberry)!

Putting It Together

Combining these items also creates a nice balance for traveling to ensure you have enough protein, fat, and carbohydrates for fuel while on the go. You can also pair the meats, cheese, and crackers or bread and make a makeshift sandwich in a pinch (great easy travel snack idea!). You can also grab some pre-made snack boxes for a perishable option to take through security.

Non-Perishable Travel Snacks

My favorite non-perishable easy travel snack list is a bit longer. I group these by foods I might eat on the plane or at my final destination as I get hungry or peckish.

I eat oatmeal almost daily when I’m home for breakfast so it’s an item I always travel with especially internationally since it’s not something that all countries will provide for breakfast. It’s also a really nice snack on a plane since you just need water to make it. You can use one of the collapsible bowls or cups I mentioned above as the vessel to make these in or any disposable cup at the airport. I typically use the McCann Irish Oatmeal brand because it’s very hearty as a travel snack or the Unsweetened Individual Oatmeal packets from Trader Joe’s .

Bringing nuts on a flight can be controversial so be sure to read your airline’s individual rules regarding what is allowed. I like going for the individually portioned nuts that are completely sealed in case I can’t eat them on a particular flight due to restrictions or nut allergies. If that’s the case I can always have them as a snack at my final destination.

My favorite nut options for an easy travel snack include: 

• Macadamia Nuts
• Trail Mix (for something different)

Crunchy Snacks

Personally I’m a big fan of crunchy snacks in general but definitely when I travel. I think it’s nice to have a variety of items on hand. For this category I pack:

I usually air pop popcorn and bring it in my reusable silicon bag for trips. Did you know that you can air pop popcorn in a brown paper bag in the microwave? I also like these individually wrapped White Cheddar Popcorn bags from Smartfood .

Peanut Butter Crackers

I also like bringing Peanut Butter Crackers as easy travel snacks for my final destination. These have saved me many times while traveling to have something to tide me over until my next meal.

There’s something nostalgic about Chex Mix that just makes it a travel staple! I use to have these all the time as a kid on trips. I usually will grab the individual baggies for my carry-on bag.

I also always grab Cheez-Its for a fun crunchy cheesy snack.

Moon Cheese

These are a newer to me product. I saw them once at Starbucks and then purchased them last year from Target and I’m a fan! These are little cheese balls that come in different flavors. If you like cheese and something with a crunch you’ll like these little cheese balls as a snack.

Anytime I think of pretzels I think of that Seinfeld episode “these pretzels are making me thirsty” but they still make for a great easy travel snack!

Veggie Straws

Veggie straws are the perfect easy travel snack to take on the go! They are both crunchy and salty which you is always needed on the road.

Marinated Vegetables

This might be an odder pick but eating vegetables on the go is hard so I love this option. POSHI Vegetable Snacks offers a marinated steamed portable snack option. If you like pickled vegetables you will like these! Plus you can add a little fiber to you day while in transit.

Snack Olives

If you’ve never had olives while on an airplane you are missing out! Something about eating olives at 42,000 feet cruising in the air is a totally different experience. I like buying these Olives to Go from the grocery store and Trader Joe’s also sells individually packed Olive packs which are so yummy. I was inspired to add Olives to my easy travel snack list after having the Mediterranean Travel Snack box on a United Flight which has a great mix of olives, bruschetta, hummus, and chocolate almonds as a great snack mix.

Dried Fruit

Dried fruit is a really fun easy travel snack! My favorite picks are dried apples and mangoes. They make such a sweet treat and they are also crunchy (or chewy).

When traveling with dips always choose brands that are shelf stable so that they can fall into the perishable category. If you go this route you should plan to consume the entire package in your trip since they will need to be refrigerated once opened.

Something Sweet

Honey stinger organic waffles.

Honey Stinger Organic Waffles are sweet yummy waffles that double as a healthy(ish) treat. These pack really easily in your carry-on or a day pack on your trip and make them one the best snacks for traveling.

Brownies & Cookies

Brownies and Cookies fall into a comfort item category for me. It’s nice to always have a sweet treat on hand but also something you are familiar with. I like the Nature’s Bakery brand Brownies and old faithful Nabisco Cookies like Oreos.

Fruit Snacks

Pink panda/snack owl.

I recently discovered a new brand called Pink Panda which offers high fiber fruit snacks. Why high fiber fruit snacks? Because fiber is such a hard micro nutrient to consume when you are traveling and I like that these snacks trade the sugar for fiber when it comes to carbohydrates in the snack. These come in two varieties: Astro Blasters and Treasure Chews. I’ve had both and think they taste yummy (you’d really never know there is no sugar in these)! And it’s only 90 calories for the entire bag.

If you are interested in trying out this new brand use our code “BREADANDBUTTERPANDA10” for 10% off if you order directly on their website . Pink Panda fruit snacks are also available on Amazon below.

Smart Sweets

I’ve been eating SmartSweets for years! They are similar to the Pink Panda brand but I’m not really sure which I like more. These are also high fiber fruit snacks and I really enjoy them for traveling. My favorites to date have been the Sour Blast Buddies and the Peach Rings.

Other Fruit Snacks

As you can tell I really love fruit snacks! My other favorites for travel and just as a general comfort item are Gushers and Fruit by the Foot. I also really like fruit leather and the “That’s It” brand is a great option for something healthy(ish) when it comes to fruit snacking.

Honey Stinger Energy Chews

Honey Stinger Energy Chews is an organic candy that’s great to chew and eat before, during, or after activity (especially when flying if your ears ring at high altitudes). It has multiple carbohydrate sources including glucose, fructose, maltose, sucrose.

I discovered this candy while on vacation in Hawaii. I think the best way to describe these are somewhere between candy and a gummy since they are chewy. I like Mango as my favorite flavor. Amazon offers a variety box if you want to check these out.

Protein Snacks

Protein is always hard for me to get in even when I’m not traveling so I always like to bring some protein snacks with me just in case. These are really great to cure hangry when you need some  stabilizing energy.

Pepperoni Sticks

These are new to me but I started eating Pepperoni sticks last year as a quick snack when I was out doing errands. That makes them perfect for an easy travel snack! The two brands I’ve liked so far are Vermont and Applegate Naturals. To me the flavors of these taste the most neutral for dried meat and come in a casing so it’s easy to eat and move on to the next thing.

Protein Bars

Protein Bars can sometimes leave an aftertaste in my opinion so there are not too many tasty ones that have a balanced calorie to protein ratio. My favorite pick so far as been Barebells Protein Bars which come in a variety of flavors and have 20 grams of protein per bar. I’ve been able to find these on Amazon and at Trader Joe’s so far. If you don’t typically like protein bars give these a try for something a bit different.

Protein Powders

I like to travel with protein powders that are individually wrapped since protein is often difficult to fit in when on the go. Most protein powder servings will have at least 18 grams of protein which is a great boost to hold you over until your next meal.

You can mix your protein powder in with some bottled water at the airport. As a great hack you can also find a bistro, Starbucks, or Dunkin Donuts in the airport and request a milk of your choice in a bigger cup to add your protein powder for an easy travel snack.

Collagen Peptides

I’m also a big fan of collagen peptides! Collagen is not a complete protein but it works well in a pinch to supplement other sources of protein for the day. It’s not completely tasteless but the flavor isn’t too strong. I prefer to dissolve these packets in water or hot coffee while traveling. They come in individual sticks which make them easy to transport. Collagen is also really great for nail and hair growth and has really helped my joints.

Granola and Fruit Bars

Something about granola bars are so nostalgic to me and I love to bring them as an easy travel snack. They travel really well on planes and are also great for in your day bag at your final destination.

I like the Nature Valley, Made Good, and Nature Bakery brands.

Peanut Butter

Again, a controversial pick for travel since usually peanuts are not allowed on all flights but I must have peanut butter with me as a basic comfort food while traveling! If I can’t have these on the plane I just eat them at my final destination. I like the JIF To Go Natural Peanut Butter cups that come individually packaged and will eat them as is, or with something I buy at the airport for some extra fat and protein. My second pick is the Justin’s Honey Peanut Butter brand which comes in a packet making it one of the best snacks for traveling.

Dehydration is real when you travel! I have two easy solutions to stay hydrated when you are on the go. These are not exactly an easy travel snack but they will come in handy while on the go.

I recently started using GoHydrate this spring as a way to stop my leg muscles from cramping and get my water levels up. GoHydrate is a water enhancer which makes it a great option if you are not particularly a fan of drinking water. I started thinking that this would also be excellent for travel due to the individual packets which make them great for on-the-go. GoHydrate provides almost instant hydration by delivering 5 electrolytes immediately to your body. Those electrolytes are: calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium.

This water enhancer also provides 40%+ of the recommended daily Vitamin D dose that most of of are deficient in due to sitting inside so often. To use GoHydrate just pour the pre-packaged stick into 20-24oz of water and drink. If you’d like to order GoHydrate I suggest ordering their mixed 10 stick sample box or their 30 stick sample box to see which flavor you like before stocking up on their 30 box sets of one flavor. My favorite flavors so far have been Lemon Citrus , Kiwi Strawberry , and Fruit Punch if you need a flavor recommendation.

True Honey Tea

We found this brand True Honey Tea at a farmers market last year and its been our favorite tea! Based in Virginia these are tea bags that have honey granules already in the tea. We really like the Earl Gray (add some half and half to make a London Fog) and also the Peppermint tea for a really great non perishable travel snack.

My next favorite drink mixer to travel with is from Cusa Tea . This brand was recommended to me by a friend who uses them while hiking. The best part is you don’t have to walk around with a wet tea bag once you prepare your tea. The flavors Cusa Teas has are unreal. I started with their Iced or Hot Variety Pack and the flavors are so delicious, truly premium tea with no sugar or artificial ingredients. I’ve tried this both in iced and hot tea and they work great. You can use these just by ordering hot water while on at the airport, on the plane, or at your final travel destination. 

If iced tea is more your style I’ve used them in even room temperature water (though cold water is better) and they dissolve no problem with no grainy stuff at the bottom. They are not sweetened so if you like sweet tea I suggest adding a sugar packet or something like Truvia to lightly sweeten the drink. My favorite flavors so far have been Blueberry Chrysanthemum and Hibiscus Rose . I recommend starting with the variety pack so that you can figure out which flavor you like before committing to an entire pack.

I typically buy a large water bottle once I get through security to keep with me in the airport and on the plane. If you don’t like buying water I suggest traveling with a stainless steel water bottle that you can fill up at the airport and throughout your trip. Our favorite travel options include Swell , Iron Flask, Yeti, and Stanley water bottles as great options that close.

Travel Water Bottles

S’well Stainless Steel Traveler

This S’well Stainless Steel Traveler is 20 Fl Oz and is Triple-Layered Vacuum-Insulated to keep Coffee, Tea and Drinks Cold for 36 Hours and Hot for 15 Hours.

Stanley IceFlow Tumbler

Stanley IceFlow Stainless Steel Tumbler with Straw is a Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle for Travel, the Office or a road trip. Its a reusable cup with a straw Leakproof Flip. The Stanley IceFlow will keep your drink cold for 12 Hours or Iced for 2 Days. This comes in various colors!

YETI Rambler Bottle

The YETI Rambler Water Bottle holds 26 oz of liquid and is vacuum insulated with a Chug Cap.

Which Easy Travel Snacks Are Your Favorites?

What easy travel snacks do you like to bring on your trips ? Did I miss any easy to pack snacks that you would recommend? Keep these travel snacks in mind for your next trip to beat hangry.

Related Posts

Why Food is a Key Component of Any Travel Adventure

How to Pack for Any Trip: The Complete Travel Gear Guide for Female Travelers

The Best Food Tour in Porto: Taste Porto

Santa Barbara, California is the Perfect Escape: A Travel Guide

6 Warm Winter Travel Destinations in the USA to Catch That Winter Sun

This post is perfect timing! We’re taking the family to Disney World in two weeks and I have “travel snacks” on my to-do list! I love the high fiber gummy options, my little one struggles while we travel, so these will be perfect! Oh, and I have both the Emerald Nut Packs and the Nature’s Bakery bars as my car snacks, they are perfect, so I never have to hit the drive-thru!

Disney World sounds so fun! Yes, any sort of extra fiber on a trip makes things so much easier for all of us. And in candy form even better. I hope you get to try them 🙂 -Monica

I often bring a small container (2-3 TBSP to 3.3 oz) of reconstituted PBfit (or other powdered peanut butter) with sugar snap peas or carrot sticks for a tasty healthy snack. Also bring small containers of the powdered peanut butter to mix with water later. Frozen grapes and frozen bean/veggie or egg and spinach wraps can be used to keep food cold and are healthy snacks when thawed.

Those are great ideas!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

60+ Creative Travel Gift Basket Ideas For Any Occasion

Not everyone has the time or energy to hunt down individual gifts and painstakingly arrange them into a picture-perfect travel gift basket. That’s why we’ve got you covered with a mix of premade travel basket ideas that you can order online with just a few clicks. As well as homemade ideas for travel gift baskets where we simply give you the idea, but you can score the gifts and baskets yourself, allowing you to unleash your inner gift-giving Picasso right at home.

So, whether you’re looking to surprise your wanderlust mom or dad, send off a friend on their globetrotting adventure after graduation, or simply need a Christmas gift basket for a travel-obsessed soul, this comprehensive list will inspire and delight.

In This Post:

Save these travel gift baskets

Don’t forget to save these travel basket ideas on Pinterest for the next gifting occasion.

Destinations – Premade travel gift baskets

All right, let’s start with the first category; baskets by destinations.

Whether your recipient is obsessed with Europe, Australia, Asia, or The US, you can find premade travel basket ideas for just about any destination (a city, a state, or a country).

And the best part?

If you can’t find the destination your recipient loves in the list below, you simply make it yourself (check out the homemade section to help you out), or check out my three favorite travel gift basket sites and use the search bar. There were simply too many amazing options online, that I had to make a selection.

So if you’re looking for a specific destination, head over to the following sites

#1 British gift basket

Includes a selection of 12 of Britain’s finest foods, from cheese to tea, and fudge. There is something to satisfy every England and UK lover. (Shop basket at iGourmet )

#2 French gift basket

This is the perfect travel gift basket for people who are obsessed with France, or at least French food. It includes 12 French items such as cheese, fig jam, and mustard. (Shop basket at iGourmet )

#3 Spanish gift basket

Do you need a basket for someone who loves Spanish tapas? Then this is the basket you need, filled with 10 typical tapas dishes and a recipe this is every Spanish food-lover dream. (Shop basket at iGourmet )

#4 Italian gift basket

If you’re up for a surprise, Cratejoy’s Taste of Italy basket is the perfect option. It includes hard-to-find sweet and savory items from Italy, and each month they curate a box with new items. It’s actually a subscription plan, but you can also sign up for a 1-time basket. You won’t know exactly what items will be in the basket then, but you can bet that they are all delicious (I mean, they’re sourced from Italy after all). (Shop basket at Cratejoy )

#5 Greek gift basket

For anyone who is obsessed with Greek cuisine, the Greek travel gift basket is perfect. Just like the Italian one, the basket includes different Greek items each month. But what you will know upfront is that each item is healthy, organic, and all-natural. And from Greece, of course. (Shop basket at Cratejoy )

#6 German gift basket

This collection of 8 typical pantry items from Germany will transport your recipient straight back to the land of sausages (even though the basket doesn’t contain any sausage). (Shop basket at iGourmet )

#7 Scandinavian gift basket

With 10 delicious items from Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, the Scandinavian gift basket will make the recipient feel like they’re back in the north and the lands of hygge, fika, and happiness. (Shop basket at iGourmet )

#8 Japan basket

The Japan crate includes 18-20 pieces of unique candy and snacks from Japan. It’s a monthly subscription box (but you can also order a one-time box), which means that the candy will change every month. So the exact candies will be a surprise for both the recipient and you. (Shop basket at Cratejoy )

#9 Mexico basket

This Mexican basket contains 15-25 different sweets and snacks from Mexico. The content varies every month, but all items will be sourced from Mexico. (Shop basket at Cratejoy )

#10 Israel gift basket

Let the recipient discover the Holy Land with a basket filled with artisanal food, crafts, and content from Israel. (Shop basket at Cratejoy )

#11 Canadian beauty basket

Do you need travel basket ideas for someone who loves beauty products and Canada? Then this is the basket you need. It contains 5-8 full-sized beauty products from Canadian brands all over the country. (Shop basket at Cratejoy )

#12 Korean beauty basket

K-beauty is known around the world. So if you want to award the recipient with fresh and shiny skin like the Koreans, then this Korean beauty basket is perfect. (Shop basket at Cratejoy )

#13 Seoul basket

For more Korean-themed gift baskets, this Seoulbox is perfect. It includes snacks, drinks, and K-beauty products from various brands located in Seoul. (Shop basket at Cratejoy )

#14 Paris gift basket

For the Francophile who is obsessed with Paris, this is the gift basket you need. Filled with cute Eiffel Tower-related items for their home, they can travel from the comfort of home. (Shop basket at Etsy )

#15 Tokyo gift basket

Whether you opt for the monthly subscription or just the one-time travel gift basket from Tokyo, this gift will satisfy all Japan and Tokyo loves, with snacks from local shops. (Shop basket at Cratejoy )

#16 Atlanta gift basket

Get your peaches from Georgia with this Atlanta gift basket. It contains cookies, candles, peanuts, coco cola, and more typical Atlanta and Georgia items. (Shop basket at Etsy )

#17 New York State basket

This travel gift basket contains all the beauty New York State has to offer. From local NYC brands to upstate New York cheese, there is something from across the state in this basket. (Shop basket at iGourmet )

#18 California basket

This collection of 9 items from California’s artisan food producers makes a great travel gift basket for anyone who loves the Golden State. (Shop basket at iGourmet )

#19 Louisiana basket

Louisiana is known for its delicious food, and that’s all collected in this Cajun gift basket which contains 7+ new items from Louisiana every month. (Shop basket at Cratejoy )

#20 Florida gift basket

Bring a piece of the Sunshine State into their homes, with a gift basket from Florida. Each box contains various Florida wildflower honey items, such as body lotion, a candle, and honey. (Shop basket at Etsy )

SEE ALSO: Best Florida-inspired gifts→

#21 Maine basket

The last gift basket by destination is from Maine. It includes a personalized message and  7-10 unique hand-selected items from Maine that vary every month. (Shop basket at Cratejoy )

Destinations – Homemade gift baskets ideas

#22  homemade ideas for travel gift baskets by destinations.

You can literally make a gift basket for any country, state, or city yourself. All you need to do is to find items related to that country and you’re all set.

For more help with homemade gift baskets, check out this comprehensive guide on how to make gift baskets.

To make your basket look prettier, you can add decorations in the color of the flag of the country too. For example, by buying fillers (such as crinkle paper shreds in the colors of the flag), add an actual flag of the country, or paint the basket.

Gifts to include

Below I’ve made a list of items you can add to your homemade gift basket. Of course, make sure they’re related to the destination you picked.

And if you’re wondering where to buy these items, check out some of my favorite websites when it comes to buying unique gifts.

• Pantry items
• Kitchen utensils
• Travel guide
• Interesting book
• Language course
• Water bottle
• Beauty products
• Passport cover
• Luggage tag
• More Apparel

Foodies – Premade travel gift baskets

#23 asian snack basket.

Do you know a foodie who loves trying unique food from around the world? Then a basket filled with unusual Asian snacks is perfect! Every month, they’ll include 20 new snacks, sweets, drinks, and whatnot from any country in Asia, so it’s always a surprise for you and the receiver. (Shop basket at Cratejoy )

#24 International cheese basket

For cheese lovers, this basket with cheese from four different continents is heaven. It contains Gouda from Europe, Cheddar from Oceania, Argentine Reggianito from South America, and Atlanta Blue from North America. (Shop basket at iGourmet )

#25 Scandinavian baking basket

Help the recipient embrace the fika and hygge lifestyle with a Scandinavian gift basket that includes everything they need to make delicious cardamom buns at home and bring the sweet smell and taste of Scandinavia into their house. (Shop basket at Etsy )

#26 Paella basket

Ditch those standard baskets, and use the actual pan as your basket with the paella gift! It comes with a pan, a recipe, and all the ingredients to make a pot of paella at home (apart from the fresh ingredients). (Shop basket at Amazon )

#27 Whiskey-lover crate

Surprise your favorite whiskey drinker with a whiskey box that contains everything they need to take their whiskey drinking to the next level, from a personalized decanter to a whiskey-tasting journal. (Shop basket at Man Crates)

#28 International chocolate basket

This chocolate gift basket contains nothing but the best chocolate bars from five different countries around the world; Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, France, and the USA, which makes it by far the best option for chocolate lovers. (Shop basket at iGourmet )

#29 International spices

Do you know someone who loves to experiment in the kitchen? Then this is the perfect travel basket idea for you; a set with six different spices from different countries in the world (Egypt, Mexico, Argentina, Japan, India, Italy). (Shop basket at Etsy )

#30 Hot sauces from around the world

This suitcase basket filled with hot sauces from around the world is the perfect idea for people who love spicy food and who love to experiment. (Shop basket at Walmart )

#31 European cookies baskets

This gift basket is every sweet tooth’s dream; a selection of the best European cookies combined in one cute iGourmet tote bag. (Shop basket at iGourmet )

#32 Avocado gift box

For the avocado and guacamole lover in your life, this is the ultimate gift box. It includes fresh and ready-to-eat avocados, lemons, honey, seasoning, and delicious fresh bagels to create the best avo on bagel toast at home. (Shop basket at Gourmet Gift Basket )

#33 Pizza-lover gift basket

This gift basket is perfect for pizza lovers who a ready to try their own pizza-making skills at home. It comes with a dough mixture that only needs water and oil, spices, and various online recipes the recipient can use. (Shop basket at Etsy )

#34 Mochi ice cream basket

Do you need gift basket ideas for people who love Japan and ice cream? Look no further! Head over to Uncommon Goods and go for this box to help them make their own Japanese mochi ice cream. (Shop basket at Uncommon Goods )

#35 Taco gift baskets

The taco and queso gift basket does not only come with vegetarian taco seasoning and sauces but also with a cute and colorful basket to turn your gift into a true fiesta. (Shop basket at Gourmet Gift Basket )

#36 International coffee basket

Even though this is technically not a gift basket, I still added it to the list. Why? Because all you need to do is buy a cute basket, add some rustic-colored fillers, and place these 16 different coffee bean bags from around the world in the basket, and you’re all set. (Shop basket at Bean Box )

Foodies – Homemade gift basket ideas

The good thing about food-inspired baskets is that you can basically recreate any of the premade baskets at home. Simply find a type of food the recipient loves, and then find those from around the world.

Or go for a typical food from a country the recipient loves, and make a basket that contains everything they need to make that food at home. Below you’ll find a few of those ideas for inspiration. But honestly, the options are endless.

#37 Crepe lover gift basket

What you need:

• Cute basket
• A crepe maker
• Ingredients to make crepes
• Toppings for crepes
• A crepe recipe book

#38 Belgium waffle lover basket

• Waffle maker
• Ingredients for Belgium waffles
• Toppings for waffles
• Recipe book

#39 Pasta lover gift basket

• Colander (to serve as a basket)
• Pasta maker
• Pasta dough ingredients
• Italian pasta cookbook
• Ingredients for one pasta dish

#40 Homemade gift basket idea for alcohol drinkers

• A cute basket
• Mini bottles of their favorite drink (eg, different international beers, wines, whiskey, gin, rum)
• Serving glasses

#41 Homemade gift basket idea for cocktail drinkers

• Cocktail shaker
• International cocktail book
• Ingredients for 1 or 2 cocktails from that book

#42 Homemade gift basket idea for tea lovers

• Bag of international tea leaves
• Cute mug or travel mug
• International cookies
• Infuses with travel-themed hangers
• Teaspoon with a travel theme

General – Premade travel gift basket

#43 happy glamper gift basket.

For people who love the outdoors, but who also love luxury, this glamping gift basket is what you need. Every three months, the curators will come up with new items to fill the basket that will make the life of outdoor lovers more comfortable and luxurious. (Shop basket at Cratejoy )

#44 Campers gift basket

This is the ultimate gift basket for campers. Each box contains essential items for camping lovers, such as camp lights, dry bags, camping games, and energy snacks, so that your favorite camper can enjoy a basket full of goodies. (Shop basket at Cratejoy )

#45 Gift basket for beach bums

Help your favorite beach bum enjoy a beachy day, every day (even when they’re not at the beach) with this cute beach basket. It includes a candle, keychain, water bottle, bag, and more. (Shop basket at Etsy )

#46 Gift basket for bookworms

Do you know a traveler who also loves to read? Then this basket filled with amazing travel-themed books that every jet-setter will love is the perfect idea for you. You can choose from various price ranges, which will include a varied amount of books to read. And each basket comes with tea, bookmarks, postcards, and other keepsakes. (Shop basket at Cratejoy )

#47 Outdoor survival crate

This survival ammo basket is another great option for campers and outdoor lovers. It includes everything they need to survive in the wild. From snacks to tools such as knives and survival blankets as well as a survival guide, so even if they don’t have any survival skills yet, they can learn everything with this basket. (Shop basket at Man Crates )

#48 Ttravel basket idea for kids and teens

Get kids and teens excited to explore the world with a gift basket that features a different country each month and that teaches them fun facts about it. the basket is completely catered toward kids and teens, so the facts are understandable and relatable for them. (Shop basket at Cratejoy )

#49 Travel through music basket

The last premade travel basket idea is a truly unique one for music lovers. It’s a basket that features local artists from around the world. Because they change the country and artists with each box, it’s always a surprise for you and the recipient. But each time it includes a travel guide, Spotify playlist, keychain, postcards from that specific destination as well as music-related travel gifts such as speakers or headphones. (Shop basket at Cratejoy )

General- Homemade gift basket ideas

Always remember, that for each of the travel basket ideas I shared above, you can always curate one yourself. Simply pick similar items that match your recipient, buy a cute basket, and add some fillers, and your homemade gift basket is done.

If you need more inspiration for what kind of gifts you can buy for each type of recipient have a look at my list of homemade ideas for travel gift baskets.

#50 Homemade gift basket ideas for book lovers

• Travel-themed books (either inspirational guides, travel memoirs, or travel stories)

Or for the reader with an e-reader

• Gift card for a Kindle subscription
• E-reader cover
• Card with a sweet message

#51 Homemade gift basket ideas for beauty queens and kings

• Makeup bag (as a basket)
• Travel-sized beauty products
• Travel-sized manicure set
• Sleeping mask

#52 Travel-safe homemade gift basket ideas

• Anti-theft bag (as a basket)
• Personal Alarm
• Extra hotel door lock
• GPS trackers
• Or any of these travel safety gifts
• Card with sweet ‘ travel safe message ‘

#53 Road-tripping gift basket

• Road trip guide book
• Gas gift card
• Hand sanitizer
• Travel pillow

#54 Couple’s or wedding-themed homemade ideas for travel gift baskets

• Matching eye masks
• Matching passport covers
• Matching travel mugs
• Matching luggage tags
• Matching keychain
• Any of these travel gifts for couples
• Or these wedding travel gifts

#55 Techy traveler homemade gift basket ideas

• Tech bag organizer (as a basket)
• Headphone splitter
• Sleeping mask with built-in headphones
• Travel adaptor
• Gift card for a tech company
• Any other tech travel gadgets

Occasion – Homemade gift basket ideas

Unfortunately, you can’t find any premade travel basket ideas online for specific occasions such as Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and more.

But don’t worry.

It’s actually really easy to make an event-themed gift basket yourself. Yes, really. Even if you’re not one of the creative types. I’ve got your back.

There are two super simple ways in which you can curate a travel gift basket for a special occasion.

• Through decoration
• Through international products

The first method is by far the easiest. You simply buy regular travel gifts and baskets (as you would for any gift basket). And then just decorate the basket in the theme of the occasion.

So let’s say you’re making a travel-themed Easter basket, you simply add Easter grass as a filler, Easter eggs for decoration, and a Happy Easter card to finish it off.

For Christmas, same story. Simply buy Christmas-themed fillings, and a Christmas card, and then add Christmas ornament such as Christmas balls, tinsels, and pinecones.

The second method requires a bit more creativity, but luckily I’ve helped you out with that one too. So let’s have a look at all the fun homemade ideas for travel gift baskets by occasion.

#56 Travel-themed Easter basket through decoration

• Backpack, dry bag, or makeup bag as a basket
• Easter grass as filler
• Easter eggs as a garnish
• Happy Easter card with a personal message
• Travel guides
• Globe-themed accessories
• Easter coloring pages
• Travel-sized game
• Or other general gifts ideas from these 50+ travel gifts

#57 Travel-themed Easter basket with international treats

• Easter-themed basket
• Happy Easter card with a sweet message
• Pizzelle from Italy
• Tsoureki bread from Greece
• Babka from Poland
• Easter eggs
• A felt toy of an English hot cross bun

#58 Travel-themed Christmas basket through decoration

• Christmas-themed filler
• Christmas ornament
• Happy Holidays card with a sweet or funny Christmas message
• One major travel gift such as an e-reader, a portable speaker, or headphones (this could be a more expensive gift as the centerpiece of your basket)
• Or more travel-themed gifts

#59 Travel-themed Christmas basket through international treats

• Christmas-themed basket
• Swedish gnomes ornament
• International holiday baking cookbook
• Kolaczky cookies from Poland

#60 Housewarming gift basket for travelers

• Cute travel-themed basket (e.g. this world map storage basket )
• Happy new home card
• Serving plates
• World map posters
• Or any of these housewarming travel gifts

#61 Graduation gift basket with a travel theme

• Backpack, toiletry bag, travel pouch, or any practical bag for travelers as a basket
• Congratulations card with a sweet or funny graduation message
• Graduation cap for decoration (or as the basket)
• Travel mug for graduates
• Journal for graduates
• Any of these travel graduation gifts

#62 Mother’s Day travel basket idea

• Travel-themed baskets, such as this world map storage basket
• Happy Mother’s Day card with a sweet or funny message for mom
• Serving tray
• Photo frame
• Any of these travel housewarming gifts
• Cable organizer bag
• Travel journal
• Or any of these Mother’s Day travel gifts

#63 Father’s Day travel gift basket idea

• Happy Father’s Day card with a sweet or funny message for dad
• Swiss army knife
• International coffee beans
• Or any of these travel gifts for dads

#64 Retirement travel gift basket

• Happy retirement card with a sweet or funny farewell message
• Travel mug for retirees
• Journal for retirees
• Any of these travel retirement gifts

Save these travel basket ideas

Did you save these premade and homemade ideas for travel gift baskets on Pinterest yet?

Final notes on travel basket ideas

Alright, I hope that this mix of premade as well as homemade ideas for travel gift baskets inspired you to make the ultimate basket for your friend, mom, dad, or any other recipient!

You May Also Like

© 2024 The best travel gifts

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Just as most sites nowadays, The Best Travel Gifts uses affiliate links. Meaning that we will earn a commission each time you purchase something from a site we link to. Of course, this is at no extra cost to you. But it's a great way for us to keep this website going for more awesome gifts!

Find anything you save across the site in your account

41 Portable Desserts, Because You Need Sugar With You Always

By Elyssa Goldberg

You could make a cake—but it's also probable that by the time you get to your picnic, beach, or barbecue, it'll be damaged. You deserve better, and so do your desserts. Roll with one of these 41 portable desserts, from cookies to hand pies, because they travel as well as you do.

Double and By Double I Mean Triple Chocolate Cookies

One of those dreamy cookies that elicits a silent reverence in every chocolate lover who tastes it.

Aniseed-Almond Meringues

Love to eat Good & Plentys? These licoricey meringues from Måurice are for you.

Dale Talde's Mickey D's–Style Fried Apple Pies

With some store-bought roti paratha and a pot of hot oil, Talde re-creates McDonald's classic deep-fried apple pie.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Blondies for a Crowd

You can use any flavor jam or jelly you like—you're in it for that whole salty-sweet thing.

Oat and Pistachio Sandies

For a delicate—not brittle—crunch, don’t overbake. These are a sleeper hit in the cookie world.

Whiskey and Rye Chocolate Chip Cookies

We go where the whiskey goes.

Chocolate Chunk–Pumpkin Seed Cookies

Ideal chewy brownie-ish texture. Yep.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

This recipe calls for baking one giant cookie, a way to ensure even, consistent ice cream sandwiches.

Chocolate Palmiers

Your friends will think you fancy, and only you'll know how truly simple it was to pull off.

Six-Layer Chocolate-Coconut-Cashew-Graham Bars

Six layers are better than one, wouldn't you agree?

Pistachio-Cream Cookies

These cookies would make for an awesome ice cream sandwich.

Matcha–White Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Powdered green tea gives these tender cookies an elf-worthy hue that will stand out, with no icing or decorating needed.

Blueberry-Lemon Hand Pies

It may not seem like very much filling, but these handheld pastries deliver the perfect filling-to-crust ratio.

Popcorn Toffee Crack Bars

The toffee mixture will harden as these cool, transforming into a snappy, crunchy layer that holds everything together.

Daniel Boulud’s Madeleines

As if you need another reason to make these mini cakes for dessert: The batter can be prepped the day before.

Hazelnut Butter and Coffee Meringues

For a high-contrast swirl, go easy when folding in the nut butter. A stroke or two with the spatula is enough.

Tahini Cookies

The creamy sesame seed paste isn’t just for hummus: It’s the secret ingredient in these effortless confections.

Gluten-Free Fudge Brownies

Just what we want a brownie to be: rich and super fudgy.

Pecan Buttermilk Fudge

A confection similar in flavor to caramelized white chocolate. Tangy buttermilk tempers the sweetness.

Danish Salted-Butter Cookies

At least a zillion times better than the ones in the blue tin you ate growing up.

Honey-Hazelnut Financiers

So rich, so beautiful and dainty—this is what we're carrying as a host gift to every daytime party from here on out.

Apple Raspberry Crumb Bars

Two different types of apples give you a mix of textures and an ideal sweet-tart filling.

Cherry-Lime Hand Pies

You've got the whole world in your hands.

Black-Bottom Brownies

Not your average brownies.

Lemon Bars for a Crowd

It's impossible to have just one.

Blueberry Hand Pies

Kids love to get a pint-size sweet.

Bien Cuit's Salted Chocolate Buckwheat Cookies

The decidedly grown-up flavor of buckwheat—tannic, earthy, nutty—pairs nicely with chocolate and is tempered by sugar.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Yes, they're gluten-free but they're just as good (maybe even better) than the real thing.

Ultimate Sugar Cookies

These sugar cookies are crisp yet tender, keep their shape when baked, and yes, taste great, too.

These lemon bars are crowd pleasers and they know it.

Salty Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Finishing your cookies with a delicate, flaky salt like Maldon brings out the chocolate flavor and tempers the sweetness, creating the ultimate sweet and salty snack.

Caramel-Dipped Popovers with Chocolate Mousse

These savory popovers are made with cheddar cheese, which keeps the dessert from veering into overly sweet territory.

Chaussons aux Pommes (French Apple Turnovers)

All-butter puff pastry, all awesome.

Ombré Rainbow Cookies

These cookies are the belle of the ball every time dessert rolls around. Best part? They taste as great as they look.

BA's Best Peanut Butter Cookies

What makes these cookies The Best? Well, there’s a few reasons actually. We call for natural peanut butter so that you can dial the sugar and salt amounts exactly. Instead of just adding roasted peanuts from the can, we roast them a second time for even more peanutty flavor. And the pan of water in the oven creates a burst of steam that gives the finished cookies the perfect crunchy-chewy texture.

Black and White Sesame Seed Cookies

The dramatic two-tone look takes a little frosting finesse but isn’t hard to achieve.

Giant Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

The batter for this large-format dreamboat of a cookie (crunchy on the edges, chewy in the middle) is made in one bowl with no special equipment, and can be baked in either a cast-iron or large skillet.

Semolina–Lemon Syrup Cakes

Beating the butter and sugar properly (read thoroughly) gives these mini cakes lift, but they will still be moist and marzipan-y in the center.

Cocoa Brownies

The best—and easiest—brownies you'll ever make. =

• Travel Podcast
• Work with Travel Experta

• Travel Tips
• Central America
• El Salvador
• United States
• Who is Marina ‘Travel Experta’
• Work With Marina ‘Travel Experta’

How to Throw a Travel-Themed Party The Right Way

You love to travel, and who doesn’t love a good party?

Why not throw a party with a travel theme? And in this post, we will help you to plan the best travel-themed party. 

This post is written specifically to help you throw a travel-themed party that is unique and fun, and that celebrates you and your guests’ love for traveling and making memories.

Perhaps you want to throw yourself a fun and unique birthday party or need to throw a going-away party for a friend about to embark on a long trip. Or, you want to get some fun-loving people together around a collectively enjoyed theme, i.e. traveling, of course!

Table of Contents

Planning a Trip? Check Out These Helpful Services:

Find the best flight deals

This is the site I recommend , you can check all the different prices.

Best accommodation prices

I highly recommend this one , it’s the best option right now for Central America

The best way to get around is by car

Check out this site to rent a car and go at your own pace.

A travel-themed party is a great way to celebrate this exciting and rewarding hobby and the world’s most wonderful destinations .

Travel-themed parties can also be a great way to get people talking and make the conversation flow. People who attend travel-themed parties will want to share with others the places they have been and the places they someday hope to go. 

Ideas for travel destinations and vacations can be shared, and possible travel companionships will blossom, too.

So let’s get started. 

Read on to get great themed party ideas for food, decor, and more.

Start Planning for Your Travel-Themed Party

No matter what you are celebrating, a travel-themed party should be full of travel-related decorations, finger foods, sweets, savory snacks, and even costumes, or at least a travel-themed dress code for your guests, too, right? 

So, where to start?

Narrowing your travel theme down is an excellent place to start planning for a travel-themed party, and here are some suggestions to get the ball rolling and your creative juices flowing.

Single Country/Regional Theme

Maybe you are farewelling a guest, or you are migrating to a new country; you could make the theme all about that country, region, or part of the world.

With a single country theme (or even region i.e. Central America , Asia), you could theme the whole party, including decorations, dress code, food according to that country (or region) and their culture, traditions, and even flag. 

Feel free to be creative. You may even find inflatables with personalized designs, which can be the country’s flag, map, or name letters, and place them as a unique decor in your party.

With an idea like this, you can go all out. 

There are countless ways to decorate, various foods you can serve, and many engaging activities you can plan for a travel-themed party!

Decoration Set Top Choice

The easiest way to decorate your party is by getting a set that covers most of your needs!!

Get a Travel Themed Party Decorations Set before you start your journey

Method of Travel Theme

You may want your party to celebrate travel in general, and that’s a fine idea also. 

Or, you may want to focus on one method of travel, such as backpacking or cruising. Or focus on some of the attractions and activities of a particular country or region like hiking, skiing , water sports, or even wildlife or a safari.

No matter your sub-theme, your travel-themed party will be memorable if it matches your interests and those of the people you invite. 

If some people you invite are not as into travel as others, those passionate about traveling will pass their enthusiasm to the other guests.

After selecting a theme for your party, start getting creative for your invites. This way, you can build excitement and anticipation for your travel-themed party, so your guests can’t wait for the date!

Essential Travel Resources

❗Don’t forget travel insurance

This company is the one I trust, it’s one of the most essential things for any trip. It has your back in case you get sick abroad, or have an accident.

🎒Pack smarter, not bulky

Check out this vacation packing list , including all the essentials you need to pack when traveling, from travel clothing to backpacks and more.

🏡Where to Stay – Here are Suggestions

This is my favorite place to look for accommodations , it offers different types, a ton of locations, and good price options.

🗺️Get Around Hassle-Free

This one is the perfect option to look for different transportation options between cities, from flights, buses, and taxis to minivans and more.

🛫Find Cheap Flights

Whenever I need to fly, I head to this website for low-cost flights.

Build Excitement with Themed Invitations

You can build anticipation for your party with themed invitations based on your overall theme selected earlier. 

Encourage guests to bring travel photos or souvenirs from their travels to share, or ask them to bring a dish of local cuisine from their favorite destination or something that matches your overall theme for the party.

A great idea would be to design invitations like plane or cruise tickets, baggage travel tags, or even planes or cruise ships.

Or check out these suitcase-shaped party invitations that you can order pre-made.

There are several options for effective invitations; some are easier than others. You can hand-make invitations, buy some at a store, or use free party invitations online to email your guests.

Invitations Top Choice

The most creative way to invite someone to a travel-themed party is using a suitcase!

Get some Travel Themed Invitation Cards with Envelopes before you start your journey

Food and Drinks

You could include in your invite for guests to bring a dish from the region or country of your theme, or if you want your guests to be impressed, organize catering according to your theme.

Whether it’s Guatemalan or Central American cuisine , Asian or European cuisine, if you plan well and hire a professional caterer, or even if you prepare the food yourself, your party will surely be memorable.

Regarding drinks, there are many options to suit your travel theme. You could include wine from France, sake from Japan, or one of my personal favorites, cocktails like the Michelada from Colombia .

Get Creative with Decorations

There are many great ideas for travel-themed party decorations .  If you focus on a specific region or country, you can base your decor on that.

If it’s a general travel-themed party, you can print out or buy travel posters, display food in open suitcases, use maps as placemats, and make airplane cupcake toppers on sticks.

You can use helium party balloons or make a cardboard train centerpiece out of old shoe boxes, really, the ideas are endless, and you are limited only by your imagination.

If you are throwing a party in your garden, you may consider getting an excellent garden furniture set . 

Play Travel-Themed Games

You can adapt many well-known party games to a travel theme. Instead of pinning the tail on the donkey, you can pin a remarkable landmark on a map.  

There are games like ‘Twenty Questions’ where the correct answer must be a destination. 

If you like drawing games, write travel-themed words on index cards, try to draw the word, and encourage other guests to guess.

You could also have fun by teaching and learning dances from other countries or asking travel-themed trivia questions. 

Word games are a great option also for example, one player names a city or country, and the next player must name a city or country that begins with the last letter of the first guest’s choice.

Use your creativity, and maybe you can create games everyone can enjoy or use some of the best road trip games !

Wrapping it All Up

There are many different directions you can go with a travel-themed party. 

In this article, we hope to have provided a really great place to start by first picking a travel-related theme and narrowing it down a bit to a specific region or country or even to a particular type of travel like backpacking or cruise vacations that can also serve as themes for the party.

From invitations to decor and food and drink, you now have an excellent place to start planning your travel-themed party so you can set a date and start sending out invites!

Maybe you will be so inspired after hosting this first party that you have more in the future. 

No matter what happens, you will have a memorable party you will never forget. And you are in the best place to start planning again in the future for another party, thanks to this article.

If you want inspiration for your party and destinations you can and should visit, check out our destinations page.

Disclosure: This blog post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission for any purchases made through the links. Your trust is important to us, and we ensure that all products or services we recommend meet or exceed our editorial standards .

Last Updated on November 20, 2023

Need more? Try these

• THINGS TO DO BEFORE VISITING VIETNAM
• Eight Activities in the Smokies that Will Give You an Adrenaline Rush
• The Unwind Weekend: 9 Tips for a Relaxing Family Getaway
• Discover the Advantages of Local Window Replacement
• Discover the Advantages of House Cleaning Services

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Make Every Day an Adventure Get your 365 days of Adventure List FREE And Start Living them NOW!

• WORK WITH ME
• Make Every Day an Adventure

LET´S BE FRIENDS

Unique Gifts For Travelers: 101+ Brilliant Gifts for Travel Lovers in 2021

Looking for the best gifts for traveler lovers?  Well, move over, scratch maps — I’ve got awesome ideas for totally unique gifts for travelers!  Whether you’re shopping for a foodie traveler, a beach lover, or even The Most Interesting Traveler in the World, I’ve got the perfect gift ideas for all the wanderlusters in your life.

These are gifts that say not only “I love you and had to buy you a gift,” but “I really know you” and “I saw your eyes glaze over the last time you unwrapped another tie/bath set/pair of slipper socks.”  (No offense — I love smelling nice and a cozy pair of socks.)

I’ve got the best travel subscription boxes, thoughtful travel gifts, and unique handmade finds for every traveler on your gift list, at a variety of price points. Don’t miss the stocking stuffer ideas and inexpensive travel gifts at the end!

I’ve grouped the gifts by traveler profile, to save you time.  But feel free to browse all of my ideas of unique gifts for travelers, since you might want to put some of these on your own wish list!

I hope this travel gift guide helps you knock out your shopping in record time. My goal is for your travel-loving friends and family to get misty-eyed because of your SUPER THOUGHTFUL AND AWESOME GIFTS.

This article contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I might earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support in this way! Learn more in my Disclosure Policy .

Top Picks & Last-Minute Unique Travel Gifts:

• Best snack box for travel lovers: Universal Yums. Learn to say yum in every language with snacks from a different country delivered monthly. Shop here!
• Unique travel gifts with quick shipping: Hop over to this list at UncommonGoods and look for items marked “ships within 3 business days”
• Books to inspire 2021 travel: Comfortably Wild: Top Glamping Destinations in North America , 50 Best Road Trips in the USA , and National Geographic Road Atlas 2021: Adventure Edition
• Best virtual travel gifts: Online Experiences from Airbnb and fun online cooking experiences with Eating Europe
• Best gift for women travelers: a gift membership to the Wanderful community to connect with other women travelers.
• Best splurge for foodie travelers: American Wagyu beef from Snake River Farms .
• Best wine subscription for travelers: curated French wines by the family of winemakers and travelers at SomMailier
• Travel-themed jewelry and handmade gifts for travelers: check out all my curated Etsy lists here ! (Tip: be sure to check production and shipping times)

In this Unique Gifts for Travelers Shopping Guide:

The Explorer | The Ocean Lover | The Bon Vivant | The Wanderluster | The Outdoor Lover | The Theme Park Fan | The Bibliophile | The Techie | The Minimalist | Stocking Stuffers

The Explorer

The Explorer: Unique Gifts for Adventurers

Have an old-school adventurer in your pack?  Or maybe a traveler with space on their work desk for a gift that reminds everyone, “When I’m not here, I’m Indiana Jones-ing my way around the world.” Check out these unique travel gifts for the explorer on your gift list!

Flaviar Premium Whisky Club Subscription

It’s pretty much a given that serious adventurers should belong to a premium whisky club. Flaviar is the club for explorers at heart. It’s the go-to place to discover and taste craft and premium spirits – from Bourbon and Scotch to Rum, Gin, Cognac and others, as well as learn the ways of a true whiskey aficionado. Membership is reasonably-priced and offers a wide variety of perks & benefits you won’t find anywhere else, with an undertone of a 1920’s speakeasy club.

Shaker and Spoon

Worldly explorers will love Shaker and Spoon , a craft cocktail subscription box with original recipes from expert mixologists. Each box contains 3 recipes focused on one type of liquor, and ingredients and garnishes to make 12 drinks total. Shaker and Spoon doesn’t include the spirits (but that means you won’t have to sign for the box when it’s delivered!). Plus they have how-to videos and great customer service. Your traveler can pretend they’re at a secret speakeasy in Mexico City with this gift!

Unique Handmade Travel Gifts for Explorers

Please allow me to call your attention to this leather bow-tie , to ensure your explorer looks dapper at special occasions this holiday season. Check out this elegant handmade jewelry roll , which you can personalize with an inscription and a choice of colors. And I’m more than a little in love with these expertly handcrafted leather cuff links .

For history-loving adventurers, I’d also suggest a replica of an antique marine compass with leather case , an armillary with compass , or leather and brass spyglass – all handmade!

Or perhaps a custom engraved compass with sundial , a personalized ivory globe , or the pinnacle of classy explorer cool: a handcrafted brass diving helmet replica to channel their inner Jacques Cousteau .

These are thoughtful and unexpected gift ideas for the intrepid explorers in your life!

For more unique gifts for travelers, check out the Etsy list where I squirrel away my favorite artisan gear for adventurers including personalized passport covers and luggage tags, custom compasses, leather dopp kits, and more!

The Ocean Lover

The Ocean Lover: Unique Gifts for Beach Travelers

We all love the ocean, but some of us live, breathe, and die for the beach.  Luckily, I’ve got tons of gift ideas including ocean subscription boxes, unique jewelry, and gifts for your friends and fam with a “beach hair, don’t care” outlook on life!

Ocean Subscription Boxes

Send your traveler on a beach break with an ocean gift box, even if stuck at home this winter. Cratejoy has beach-inspired boxes like top-rated Oceanista and Sea Crate , with beach boutique essentials, nautical treats, and ocean-themed gifts. (Seriously, look at that Oceanista haul below!)

Unique Jewelry & Gifts for Beach Lovers and Surfers

For travelers who love the Florida Keys, how about a dainty palm tree necklace, a cute sea turtle pendant , or a charm of the Key West “Mile Marker 0.” And for surfer girls and guys, there’s a delicate surfboard necklace , travel surf kit , or a cool handmade enamel surfboard pendant .

These are thoughtful travel gift ideas for surfers, snorkelers, and sun-lovers that will make them say “shell, yeah!” (Sun’s out, puns out, people!)

For more ocean-themed gifts including one-of-a-kind items, shop my ocean lovers Etsy list.

The Bon Vivant

The Bon Vivant: Unique Gifts for Traveler Foodies

I forgot the term bon vivant the other day and had to google “what’s the word for a fancy person who enjoys the finer things in life.” If you have an epicurean traveler in your life (AKA: foodie), an oenophile (wine connoisseur) or craft cocktail lover, then you know how tough they can be to buy for. As unique gifts for foodie travelers, I suggest subscription boxes, gourmet food, and other gifts to explore their sophisticated tastes.

Snake River Farms American Kobe Beef

For starters, consider having mouth-watering American Wagyu (Kobe-style) steaks from Snake River Farms delivered straight to your foodie traveler’s door. Step away from the Omaha Steaks website, and instead let me introduce you to Snake River Farms. Their family-owned, humanely-raised, sustainable American Kobe beef is regularly featured in Michelin starred restaurants.

As a perfect holiday gift for your favorite foodie, check out Snake River’s gift center. Or treat your family to a special holiday meal with Snake River steaks, roasts, or grilling favorites as the main course!

SomMailier Exclusive French Wine Subscription

For your favorite wine-lover, how about French wines personally curated by a family of travelers and winemakers? SomMailier selects wines from handcrafted French vineyards that aren’t available anywhere else in the U.S. They offer several subscription options, as well as a single-delivery gift option of 3 or 6 wines in red, white, or mixed. The SomMailier site has really great reviews of personal service touches, plus each box comes with stories about the winemakers and vineyards. But what really sold me on SomMailier is the company story – read it here .

Universal Yum Snack Box Subscription

Universal Yum is like a dream to me: a curated box of salty and sweet treats shows up at my door from a different country each month?  Don’t mind me over here, camped out by my mail slot already.  The Universal Yum selection team says that they’ve sampled thousands of treats from around the world, but only the ones that made them say “Holy &#%!” made it into the Yum Shop.  With each snack food subscription box, you’ll receive a booklet of trivia and games, and the larger subscription options also include bonus content recipes and more.

Try The World

Try the World offers curated boxes of gourmet foods, cooking ingredients, drinks and snacks from around the world, delivered to your door each month. If your foodie traveler hits up the local grocery store for souvenirs (OK, this is me), then Try the World is the perfect travel gift for them! There are options of boxes focused on a certain country every month or an assortment of artisanal snacks, and plans ranging from monthly to yearly.

Expert and aspiring mixologists will love this cool travel gift box that includes everything you need to make 4+ craft cocktails , including the spirits! Saloon Box expands cocktail lovers’ palates by exposing them to new drinks and spirits they might otherwise not have tried. It’s perfect for reminiscing about a favorite speakeasy visit on a date night in, and consistently gets high ratings from subscribers. This box only ships to certain states since it contains liquor – so if it won’t work for your traveler, check out the Shaker and Spoon box instead .

Murray’s Gifts & Subscriptions

For foodie travelers you can’t go wrong with a selection of gourmet cheeses from Murray’s, an artisanal cheese and specialty foods shop based in New York City’s Greenwich Village. Try their Red Wine Lover’s Collection or one of their monthly club subscriptions .

More Unique Gifts for Travel-Loving Foodies and Craft Cocktail Conoisseurs

The book “Wine Folly” is a must-read for everyone from amateur wine-lovers to experts, and be sure to get the accompanying journal and wine flavors chart. The Boomerang corkscrew is one that travelers find least likely to be confiscated by airport security. And for the true oenophile, splurge for them on a wine aroma set , so they can learn to discern the nuances of wines.

Every foodie traveler should have a pasta machine – check out this best-in-class option by Marcato that Cook’s Illustrated called “the Ferrari of pasta machines.” Cocktail-loving travelers will love a swanky bar set like this one (available in several metal finishes including copper!) and be sure to pair it with a speakeasy recipe book like this one from the mixologists at the West Village bar-restaurant Employees Only . And for travelers who miss Japan, set them up to try making sushi at home with this kit that includes exclusive how-to videos . (Just promise me that you’ll also get them a sushi boat for an over-the-top presentation!)

These travel gift ideas are as sophisticated as your bon vivant traveler’s palate! 😉

The Wanderluster

The Wanderluster: Artisan Gifts for Worldly Explorers

Do you have a Wanderluster on your gift list?  This worldly adventurer loves exploring the art, culture, and artisan goods of faraway lands.  Check out these unique travel gift ideas and see which are a match for your wanderlust traveler!

Atlas Coffee Club Subscription

An Atlas Coffee Club subscription will take your traveler on a tour of the world’s best coffees each month. Every box includes a curated selection of single-origin coffee with tasting notes and brewing tips. Atlas Coffee is roasted-to-order, so it always ships fresh right after roasting. Plus, each box includes a postcard from the coffee’s origin (so you can imagine yourself there as you sip away!). I think Atlas Coffee is a thoughtful travel gift for coffee-loving travelers, especially those working from home or dreaming of future adventures.

Globe In Artisan Gifts Subscription Box

Globe In is a subscription box that curates full-size, handmade artisan products from around the world and delivers them to your traveler’s door each month. Each box has a monthly theme. All products are ethically-sourced and support job creation and fair wages in communities around the world. So this is a thoughtful travel gift that both you and your traveler will feel good about! Or, shop their marketplace for handmade global goods and take 10 % off with the code “ARTISAN.”

Facetory K-Beauty Box from CrateJoy

For sheet mask junkies and travelers who love the latest K-beauty trends from Korea, check out the FaceStory gift box from Cratejoy . Choose from 3 different levels – fresh, luxe and glow – to gift your traveler an at-home spa staycation. And if your traveler loves Korea, check out all of Cratejoy’s Korea-focused options including snack boxes, beauty boxes, and cute stationery!

Unique Gifts for Wanderlust Travelers & One-of-a-Kind Global Etsy Finds

Textiles from Oaxaca and Puebla, Mexico are having a moment. If your wanderluster loves textile art, check out these artisan handmade Zapotec rugs or gorgeous hand-embroidered dresses . Or for travelers who long to visit the landscapes of Turkey, this Etsy shop creates bags and goods with antique kilims and handmade rugs .

What explorer doesn’t need a handmade leather bag or organizer from Italy ? Travelers who have visited Colombia will recognize these artisan crocheted bags made by women from the Wayuu tribe. (Update: my mom couldn’t resist the Wayuu bags and ordered one from this seller — she received it within a week and reports it’s gorgeous and really well made!) And I have a pair of these beautiful Portuguese azulejo tile earrings myself, which come in several different styles and colors.

For more artisan jewelry and one-of-a-kind items, check out my list of thoughtful travel gifts for wanderlusters on Etsy .

Looking for practical travel gift ideas? Check out this list of all my favorite travel gear with links for easy online shopping!

The Outdoor Lover

The Outdoor Lover: Unique Gifts for Nature Travelers

Not sure what gear to buy an outdoor-loving traveler? Check out these ideas for subscription boxes and unique gifts to help them get out and get exploring!

Cairn Gift Subscription Box

Cairn is the original outdoor subscription box service , with carefully curated outdoor gear in 1-month, 6-month & 12-month options. Gift recipients can fill out a profile to help Cairn select products that best match their outdoor activity and lifestyle preferences – for example, backpacking over car camping, have a dog, are a vegetarian, etc. Cairn helps outdoor enthusiasts discover great brands and new products that will inspire them to get outside and embark on new adventures.

Wild Woman Box

The Wild Woman Box is a monthly subscription box curated with gear, inspiration, snacks and body products. Their mission is to make adventure and the outdoors inclusive and accessible for ALL women! This box consistently gets great ratings on Cratejoy and is a thoughtful travel gift for the wild woman on your gift list.

For outdoor lovers looking for new ways to explore, the book Comfortably Wild is a great gift idea! It catalogs the best glamping destinations across the U.S. including unique places and adventures to go along with them. Perfect for nature lovers with kids in tow, travelers who need a little more comfort than camping when they travel, and ideas for socially-distant travel destinations. Check it out on Amazon here!

Unique and Handmade Etsy Finds for Outdoor Lovers

For more unique gift ideas for outdoor travelers, check out this compass and coordinates pendant set from Etsy, or this handmade leather coordinates bracelet . This beautiful but simple round mountain pendant is handmade and available in yellow, white, or rose gold.

For artistic outdoor lovers, check out this geometric mountain necklace in gold or silver or sweet geometric flower pendant . And this handy travel hiking kit is great for the car or as a quick backup kit to toss in a suitcase.

For more unique travel gift ideas, check out my Etsy gift list for outdoor lovers including more custom coordinates gifts and compasses.

The Theme Park Fan

The Theme Park Fan: Best Travel Gifts

Have a Disney or Harry Potter lover on your gift list? Check out these unique gifts for travelers including subscription boxes, specialty mouse ears, and Harry Potter gear!

Mickey Monthly

Mickey Monthly is the #1 Disney-themed subscription box that promises to bring the magic of Disney parks to your door. They offer an “Original” option with a mix of licensed Disney and partner gear, or a “Theme Park” edition which they warn is for serious fans ONLY. There’s also a cute trading pins box and a snack edition box which would be great for a Disney movie binge weekend! You can even take a quiz to get personalized recommendations.

Geek Gear’s Wizardry Box

Geek Gear’s Wizardry Box is packed full of awesome licensed and exclusive merchandise every month! Each box includes a t-shirt, print, and at least four other items. Expect a mix of awesome products from Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts which will bring the magical world to your home. Use the code “GEEKGEAR10” for 10% off your first box.

Main Street Mail

Main Street Mail is the most customizable Disney-themed subscription box, with a questionnaire that lets you request your favorite characters and product types. (And they deliver – one reviewer called them the “Disney fairygodmothers of sub boxes”!) This carefully-curated box ships outside the U.S. and is good for all age levels.

Handmade and Custom Theme Park Gifts on Etsy: Unique Gifts for Travelers

For more unique gift ideas for theme park lovers, check out these handmade items from Etsy. How sweet is this Disney “Mom” necklace with sparkly mouse ears ? And to be ready for Disney, everyone needs a special set of ears – this one is rose gold and lights up ! Plus check out these dainty necklaces of the Cinderella’s Castle skyline.

For Star Wars fans, you can’t go wrong with Chewbacca-inspired mouse ears . And for Potterheads, check out this fun golden snitch necklace and wand display for their collection.

For more unique gift ideas and custom ears, check out my theme park fans gift list on Etsy.

The Bibliophile

The Bibliophile: Gift Ideas for Book-Loving Travelers

Does the traveler on your gift list make a beeline for the best bookshops in town? If they’ve waited in line to get into the Lalo Bookshop in Lisbon (of Harry Potter fame) or dreamed of making a pilgrimage to Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, they’ll love these gifts below for literate travelers!

Bibliophilic Excursions

Bibliophilic Excursions provides a curated travel-from-home experience for adventurous readers of all ages. Simply let them know your preferences, and each month you’ll receive a carefully-themed literary adventure including all the senses. Every box includes 1-2 books and 3-5 items like snacks, teas and more. This is a thoughtful, personalized gift for your traveling bookworm!

The Intoxicated Intellectual

If you have a book-lover who is also a craft cocktail connoisseur, then this subscription box is a great chance to combine their interests! The Intoxicated Intellectual pairs classic books with classic cocktails. Each month your traveler will receive a book plus everything needed to make a themed drink (other than the liquor) — all of the syrups, garnishes, bitters, mixers and bar tools and more! This box gets great ratings for its curation and presentation.

Unique Gifts for Travelers: Books by Classic Adventurers and Photographers

Give your adventurous reader a travel education with books by travelers from the past. These early adventurers paved the way for all of us who love to travel today – they’re the OG digital nomads, bloggers, and Instagrammers!

*The below books include buttons to purchase on Amazon or on Bookshop.org, an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. Disclosure: I am an affiliate of Bookshop.org and Amazon and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

The Valleys of the Assassins by Freya Stark

Freya Stark was an English-Italian writer, explorer and historian who, at the age of 34, set out to explore remote and dangerous parts of the Middle East via foot, donkey, camel, and car. The book was hailed as a classic when published in 1934, and established Stark as an explorer. It chronicles her travels into the mountainous region between Iraq and present-day Iran. This is a perfect read for adventurous women on your gift list.

Monumental Journey: The Daguerreotypes of Girault de Prangey

Joseph-Philibert Girault de Prangey was a student of the daguerreotype, an early photographic process, as well as architecture of the Middle East. He toured Italy and the countries of the eastern Mediterranean between 1841 and 1844, producing over 900 daguerreotypes that remain the earliest surviving photographs of Greece, Palestine, Egypt, Syria and Turkey. This is one of my favorite books and I recommend it for any traveler who loves photography!

The Lost City of the Incas by Hiram Bingham

Do you know who “rediscovered” the famous Inca city of Machu Picchu? It was American academic, explorer and (later) politician Hiram Bingham. With the help of local indigenous farmers, he reintroduced Machu Picchu to the world in 1911 and went on to uncover two more lost Incan cities. If your traveler’s bucket list includes Machu Picchu or the Inca Trail, this is a perfect gift for them!

My Journey to Lhasa by Alexandra David-Neel

How did a 54-year-old Frenchwoman visit Tibet in 1923, when it was forbidden to foreigners? A student of languages, eastern religions and philosophy, as well as a former opera singer, Alexandra David-Neel disguised herself as a male pilgrim and traveled Tibet for two months before she was discovered! David-Neel was the first Western woman to be received by any Dalai Lama, and the tale of her determination is an inspiring read. (Caught in a snowstorm at one point, she and her guide had to boil their leather boots for sustenance!). If your traveler has Tibet on their bucket list, this is a great gift idea.

Travels in West Africa by Mary Kingsley

I first read Mary Kingsley’s book Travels in West Africa in a college course many years ago! A scientific writer and daughter of two doctors, she wrote an account of her solo travels in which she sought to finish her late father’s research on primitive religions. Kinsley made her way through the Congo and all of its dangers dressed in the same clothes she would have at home, and helped shape European perceptions of African cultures and British imperialism through her writings and lectures.

No Hurry to Get Home: A Memoir by Emily Hahn

Emily Hahn was the author of 53 books and nearly 200 articles and short stories for the New Yorker from 1929 to 1996.  She challenged all the stereotypes of her time, traveling solo to the Belgian Congo at the age of 25, living in China as the concubine to a Shangai poet, and advocating for environmentalism. This is a collection of 23 of her articles from the New Yorker, published between 1937 and 1970. It’s a perfect gift for adventurous women and literature-loving travelers.

More Travel Photography Books

Want to give the gift of travel inspiration? These are some of my favorite travel and photography books to recommend. They make perfect gifts and conversation pieces for a traveler’s coffee table!

Looking for more gift books for travelers? Check out all of my books for travelers recommendations at Bookshop.org .

The Techie Traveler

The Techie Traveler: Unique Gifts for Photographers & Tech Lovers

Do you have a traveler on your gift list who loves photography and gadgets? Check out these ideas for courses and gear that will help them enjoy and document their travels!

CreateLive Online Photography or Video Course

CreativeLive is a platform that helps creators of all kinds grow their skills. With a library of more than 1,500 classes and over 700 creator-teachers, there are options for every level of student, for those wanting to learn a totally new skill or become an expert in their niche. Check out their library of photography and video courses including fundamentals of photography, Adobe Lightroom editing, and wildlife photography. As a gift, you can give the “Creator Pass”: an all-access pass to their entire library , with options for either a monthly pass or an annual membership with is currently offered at a huge discount!

TripIt Pro Subscription

I’ve had a TripIt Pro subscription for years and can’t imagine traveling without it! Just forward all of your booking confirmations, and it builds your itinerary, tracks your flights and miles, and gives you real-time travel alerts about delays. You can choose to share your itineraries with friends and family (a feature my mom loves). It even reminds you to check in and when to leave for the airport to be on-time for your flight. There’s also a free version — minus the alerts and tracking functions, but still super helpful for keeping your trip details organized.

Photography & Travel Tech Gear

Check out more ideas for techie travelers looking to up their travel game! I’ve got tips for instant cameras, portable Bluetooth speakers, and the best cameras for adventure-loving travelers.

KODAK Printomatic Digital Instant Print Camera

Everything old is new again (for those of us who remember shaking old Polaroid photos, impatiently waiting for them to develop)! The portable Kodak Printomatic comes in a variety of fun colors, and is a camera and printer in one, so you never have to worry about buying toner. Its 2×3 prints are durable: water-resistant, smudge free and tear-resistant, which makes them perfect for travel. The prints are also adhesive backed so you can easily add them to scrapbooks. This is a great gift for travel kids and teens, travelers who keep a daily journal, or travelers who like meeting locals – they can snap a selfie together and share a copy right away.

Around the World City Radio

Start your day by listening to 18 different radio stations from around the world ! Pair your smartphone with this bluetooth-enabled device and travel the world with this retro-styled radio. This is a great gift for travelers who love gadgets and music from around the globe.

Bluetooth Speaker Water Bottle

Stay hydrated and listen to music and podcasts on the go with this Bluetooth speaker water bottle . You can even use it for phone calls! Charge it with a USB cord and your traveler will be set for outdoor adventures, listening to tunes in your hotel room, or relaxing by the pool.

Sony Alpha A6100 Mirrorless Camera with 16-50mm Zoom Lens

Sony’s A6100 was just released this year, and is the perfect camera for any traveler who wants to step up from using a smartphone or heavier DSLR camera. The a6100 offers excellent still and video image quality in all shooting conditions. It replaces the older A6000 which is still a sensational camera, and is available as a kit with some bargain deals .

DJI Mavic Mini

DJI has become the industry standard for drones, and the DJI Mavic Mini is its lightest and most portable drone yet. The Mavic Mini is a perfect drone for travelers, since it’s super portable and takes 12MP aerial photos and 2.7K HD videos. If your traveler is looking for a first drone, this is a great option because of its easy-to-use controller and image quality. Also its light weight categorizes it as a “toy” in many countries. (Be sure to check local laws regarding drones where you travel.)

GoPro Hero 8 Black Edition Action Camera Kit

GoPros make it easy to capture adventure travel experiences because of their durability and portable size. Plus the latest model, the Hero 8, has tons of extra features, like Hypersmooth image stabilization, livestreaming, timelapse and a burst setting to choose the best photo. If your adventure traveler doesn’t already have one (or if they HAD one but dropped it down a canyon), this is definitely on their wish list.

JBL Clip 2 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker

I like to travel with a portable speaker so I can listen to music in my hotel room or if I’m lucky to be staying somewhere with a private pool (still dreaming of you, Bali!). This JBL speaker is waterproof and has awesome reviews for its battery life, sound quality, and easy Bluetooth pairing. Also, it’s pretty darn cute.

The Minimalist

The Minimalist: Unique Travel Gifts

What do you buy a travel lover who doesn’t like a lot of stuff? Whether they’re a digital nomad, Eco-conscious or just a minimalist, I’ve got great travel gift ideas for these adventurers! Check out my best tips including online courses, travel gear, Eco-friendly supplies and more.

Online Experiences from Airbnb

Airbnb Experiences have become one of my favorite ways to find “hidden gems” and culture tours with locals when I travel. Now, they’re expanding experiences with online tours, workshops, and more. Follow a “plague doctor” through Prague , take a tour of an animal sanctuary , discover the history of beer and so much more — from cooking classes to acting lessons to Harry Potter London secrets . Airbnb has hundreds of options, and you’ll be supporting creatives and tourism professionals while travel is paused!

Virtual Tours and Workshops from Viator

Viator, one of the top websites for booking tours and excursions, is bringing travel into your home with virtual tours from around the globe. Choose from virtual culture experiences like a street art experience in Brooklyn, guided tour of the Sistine Chapel, live “wonders of Lisbon” experiences and more. With their global workshops , you can drop into a yoga class in the DR, learn origami from a local in Seoul, can even take a flamenco dance in Spain.

4ocean is an organization that sells products to fund its programs to clean oceans and coastlines. Their business is founded belief that business can be a force for good and the actions of individual people, collectively, have the power to change the world. Check out their gift options including a “bracelet of the month” subscription which is twofold: your traveler gets a cool bracelet, and they clean up one pound of ocean trash! Or shop all of their gifts , including reusable bags, Yeti tumblers, t-shirts and more.

Minimal Gear for Travelers

Check out these ideas for easy-to-pack, easy-to-store travel gear for minimalist and Eco-conscious adventurers.

Adventure Essentials Survival Kit

This sleek adventure essentials survival kit has everything you need for outdoor adventures packed into a metal kit that’s also a flashlight! Inside you’ll find water purification tablets, a compass, a wire saw, reflective trail markers, and waterproof matches.

Portable Beach Chair

This portable beach chair packs down small for travel, but assembles quickly for lounging on the beach in effortless style. If your minimalist traveler lives near the coast or prefers beach vacations, this is a gift that will get a lot of use.

Multi-Tool Watch and Swiss Army Knife

Packed with handy outdoor tools, this minimal multi-tool combines a Swiss army knife and watch. This gadget combines seven tools at your disposal, including a watch, bottle opener, knife, screwdriver, compass, tweezers, and a toothpick all in one design. (I have needed every one of these things while traveling!)

Glass Cold Brew Tea Bottle

For tea-loving travelers, check out this glass cold-brew tea bottle for brewing tea overnight or infusing water with fruit. Makes smooth tea without bitterness, plus it’s easy to clean with removable silicone lid. This is the perfect gift for travelers who like tea on-the-go without having to worry about hot water for brewing.

Eco-Friendly Camping / Travel Toiletry Kit

This Eco-friendly camping toiletry kit is perfect for throwing into your backpack for a weekend away! Includes a 2 oz aluminum free deodorant in a cardboard push up tube, goat milk soap bar, peppermint and rosemary shampoo bar, and a citronella candle in a reusable bag.

Zero-Waste Cutlery Kit With Beeswax Wrap

This zero-waste travel cutlery kit eliminates the need for plastic cutlery and straws! Includes a beeswax wrap; reusable bamboo knife, fork and spoon; reusable bamboo straw; and a coconut bristled straw cleaner so you can clean your straw without plastic. This is the perfect gift for travelers trying to reduce waste (and how cute are those bees!).

Zero-Waste Vegan-Friendly Travel Kit

Help your traveler reduce single-use plastics with this zero-waste travel kit that’s sustainable and vegan-friendly. You can customize the size of the kit and even request a custom kit. Includes sandwich and snack tins, reusable utensils, market bags and more.

Travel Stocking Stuffers

Travel Stocking Stuffers: Pocket-Size & Inexpensive Travel Gifts

Looking for a few more gift ideas for the travelers on your list? I’ve got cool travel stocking stuffers, inexpensive travel gift ideas, and travel necessities packing items for every type of traveler!

Done with your holiday shopping yet thanks to these ideas of unique gifts for travelers?

I hope that this gift guide helped you with awesome gift ideas for your favorite travelers! Be sure to pin it for later so you can come back for any last-minute shopping needs.

The Haphazard Traveler is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Save for later or share with a friend!

I was a travel hot mess, but I got better! I kept the name and now blog my best tips for culture + adventure travel from around the globe. Follow along for travel advice, destination guides, and photography from faraway lands and at home in Washington, DC.

Travel Writer | Photographer | Licensed Drone Pilot Member, Society of American Travel Writers (SATW)

Save 20% | Use Code: KASALE20

Find anything you need

You have %itemCount% in your cart. Total being %total%

7 Sensational Adventure and Travel Themed Party Ideas

Oh, the places you’ll go! From birthday parties to bridal showers, there are so many adventure-filled ideas you can use to inspire your own celebration. We’ve curated the top travel themed party ideas to spark your creativity! 1. Up, Up and Away in Hot Air Balloons Hot air balloons […]

Oh, the places you’ll go! From birthday parties to bridal showers, there are so many adventure-filled ideas you can use to inspire your own celebration. We’ve curated the top travel themed party ideas to spark your creativity!

1. Up, Up and Away in Hot Air Balloons

Hot air balloons are the cutest vintage touches to a travel theme. Make beautiful table centerpieces with a helium-filled balloon, string, ribbon and a basket filled with colorful flowers!

Create one stunning eye-catching display by hanging paper lantern hot air balloons from the ceiling. This is a great idea for an “Up In The Air” baby shower or birthday party!

One genius idea for a baby shower: take hot air balloons one step further by using diapers for the base!

2. High-Flying Up Inspired Decor

Looking for a fantastic birthday party theme? Disney’s movie Up is an adorable way to incorporate the beloved characters, balloons, and adventure into one fun party!

We love this creative idea! Hand out mini adventure books as favors so little guests can document their own adventures.

3. Pack Your Suitcases

Find inventive ways to present sweets and treats! Open a vintage suitcase and place tiers of cupcakes for a beautiful display.

Small suitcases are also great for displaying favors and drinks!

These adorable vintage suitcase favor boxes filled with candy make fantastic gifts to bid “bon voyage” to your guests.

4. For the Bicycle Lover

Create one fun and creative party theme with bicycles! A Party Studio combined bicycles with a pink, blue and purple color scheme for a darling little birthday party.

Bicycle place card holders and vintage-inspired bicycle favor boxes added a whimsical touch to the party.

Plus, you can spray paint the same bicycle place card holders gold for different look!

5. An International Themed Menu

From South Africa to Peru, take your party guests around the world with a variety of international eats.

6. Vintage Maps & Globes

DIY a glam globe by adding a calligraphy quote and ask guests to sign it!

Send guests off on their journey home with map favor boxes filled with a surprise.

7. Airplanes Ready for Takeoff

Get ready for takeoff! Use airplanes as the main theme mixed with maps, globes and clouds for one charming boyish birthday party.

Vintage airplane bottle openers would make unique and delightful favors to give everyone!

What other adventure or travel ideas do you love? Tell us in the comments!

Happy Planning!

Recent Blogs

• Become An Affiliate
• Terms of Service

Have any questions, comments or suggestions? Feel free to reach out to us, (toll free)  1.877.650.6462   or  [email protected]

Mon-Fri, 10am - 5pm EST. Looking for the perfect Baby Gift? Shop Baby Aspen .

© 2023,  Kate Aspen

Passport to Fun: Travel-Inspired Party Ideas

Passport to Brazil

How to decorate : Beautify your space with bright lanterns, banners, and strands of lights. McGrath also pays homage to the country harvest by decorating with colorful straw hats, wicker baskets, and hay bales. You can even pull out your autumn scarecrows for this event. “A bonfire is a must,” adds McGrath, “It keeps the bad spirits far from the lands of harvest.”

What to serve : Stick to a classic picnic-style menu, as simple as corn on the cob and hot dogs. McGrath also suggests abundant quantities of Brazilian sweets including pacoca (peanut butter candy), pe de moleque (peanut bars), sweet popcorn, brigadeiro (chocolate fudge), canjica (sweet corn pudding), and caramel apples. Adults will enjoy sipping on quentao (a Brazilian cider-like spiced tea) or batidas (tropical fruits cocktails). Check out recipes on the blog Flavors of Brazil .

What to wear : Festa Junina, like Brazilian Carnival, requires guests to party in costume; for this event, outfits pay tribute to the origins of Brazilians' farming heritage and beloved country music. Males dress up as farm boys with large straw hats and plaid shirts. Females pull their hair in pigtails, paint freckles on their face, and wear red-checkered dresses or peasant dresses.

What to do : Since the Festa Junina typically includes guests of all ages, plan a few games that bring out the kid in everyone: musical chairs, egg-on-a-spoon relay, and a sack race. A typical "quadrilha" square dance may be harder to pull off, but make sure to download songs that give your guests a feel for what they're missing. Friends might even improvise their own dances once the party kicks into high gear. Search iTunes for "Festa Junina," or look for these traditional songs: Pula Fogueira , Capelinha de Melao , and Quadrilha Brasileira .

Passport to France

When party stylist Chris Nease was planning her husband's birthday, she revisited a trip the couple had taken to France. The occasion gave them a chance to celebrate their love of French culture and cuisine.

How to decorate : Nease decided to avoid obvious decoration options, like miniature Eiffel towers, and aim for a more authentic Parisian feel. She created a "shabby chic" European ambiance in her backyard, using eclectic antique items strategically staged around her yard. To create a bar area, she built her own pipe-and-drape system on which she hung curtains as well as empty, antique-looking picture frames. (Instructions are available at her site celebrationsathomeblog.com .)

She also emptied a small, antique dresser and used it as a wine and champagne station, with glasses peeking out of the empty drawers and bottles perched in garden urns. Other decorative items, such as vintage suitcases, globes, pomander balls, and French books gave an old-world feel to food tables, while old-fashioned frames and cafe-style chalkboards listed menu items. Nease created a simple banner by clothes-pinning personal photographs from her French vacation to a twine rope.

What to serve : French wine and champagne makes the perfect starting point for an elegant cocktail or dessert party. Nease stuck with pretty, easy-to-eat finger foods like goat cheese tarts with caramelized onions, brie tarts with strawberry preserves, and mini quiches. She also created snack cones — filled with French fries — out of decorative scrapbook paper embellished with fleur-de-lis.

A dessert table featured fruit tartlets , palmiers, chocolate-espresso butter cream macarons and the pièce de résistance: a croquembouche (tower of pastries) that Nease fashioned from store-bought cream puffs .

What to send home : Add a classy touch with a special party favor. Nease embellished simple brown paper bags with scrapbook paper, monogram tags and a fleur-de-lis wax seal. She filled the bags with monogrammed items like note pads and note cards. Other possible take-homes could include lavender sachets and soaps or a sampling of French chocolates with French roast coffee — just enough for a petite pour.

Passport to Greece

Lori Lange, the author of the Recipe Girl cookbook and blog, loves the food and flavors of Greece: lamb, garlic, lemon, eggplant, and feta. So when it was her turn to host the neighborhood’s gourmet get-together, she settled on a Greek theme. Opa!

How to decorate : Lange used the colors of the Greek flag, blue and white, accented with shiny gold to fashion a table worth of the gods. Blue and white dishes, tablecloth, and glass beads set the backdrop. She then created centerpieces using pieces of gold lame from the fabric store and vases filled with branches of golden-yellow blossoms and rosemary.

What to wear : For a playful crowd, encourage guests to wear togas, or offer artificial laurel wreaths to wear on their heads. If your group isn’t quite as spirited, Lange suggests accessorizing outfits with flashy gold jewelry.

What to serve : Start the evening with appetizers that draw on Greece’s signature ingredients. Lange served marinated eggplant with capers and mint; goat cheese with olives, lemon and thyme, served on crisp rosemary flatbread; and dried fig souvlaki — all huge hits with her guests. She also concocted Greek mojitos , a twist on the classic Cuban mixed drink, which she made with Greek metaxa in place of rum.

A Greek meal traditionally centers around a signature lamb dish, like a roast or chops. If you’re not a lamb lover or it’s too pricey for your budget, look for a chicken recipe that calls for copious amounts of lemon, garlic , and rosemary. Lange’s side dishes included a spinach, feta, and pine nut tart; roasted garbanzo beans and garlic with Swiss chard (“a surprise favorite,” she says); and Greek potatoes with lemon vinaigrette. (All Lange’s recipes are available at recipegirl.com .)

What to do : Let your guests test their knowledge of Greek history, geology, and mythology with homemade trivia cards distributed at each place setting. Go to quizlet.com and search for “Greek” to find plenty of interesting factoids.

Passport to Asia

Party stylist Chris Nease says ideas for parties hit her at the strangest times. “There’s always an inspiration piece to get juices flowing. This time it was little, red takeout boxes,” she says. What followed was an Asian-fusion dinner party spotlighting many of the flavors Nease and her friends love. How to decorate : Nease stuck with Chinese color scheme of red, black, and gold, drawing on the takeout boxes that inspired the event. For the table centerpiece, she used a bamboo runner, then wrapped a bamboo placemat around a cylindrical vase and filled it with bamboo fronds and curly willow branches. Other accent pieces included Japanese fans, black and white river rocks, a Buddha statue she found at a discount store and a Japanese teapot her husband brought home from a business trip. Nonetheless, Nease cautions to keep the look uncluttered. “Asian decor is very sleek and minimalist,” she says. (To view her table, visit her site celebrationsathomeblog.com .)

What to serve : Asian restaurants have finger foods down to an art, so kick off the party with a selection of snacks made at home or ordered from a favorite eatery. Eggrolls, dumplings, sushi, and potstickers appeal to a wide crowd; if you want to get adventurous, consider Thai-inspired shrimp or edamame hummus on rice crackers. Instead of standard cocktails, serve sake or soju (a Korean rice beverage) or offer a selection of Asian beers, such as Sapporo or Tsingtao.

For her main meal, Nease served chicken satay and Asian noodle salad . For dessert? Chinese fortune cookies, of course — served in little red takeout boxes. Don’t forget to end the meal with a steaming pot of green tea.

What music to play : Search online radio stations, such as pandora.com , spotify.com , or grooveshark.com to find an Asian music mix you enjoy. Pandora.com, for instance, offers an “Asian Instrumentals” station whose artists give traditional Chinese and Japanese instruments a smoother, jazz-like sound.

Passport to Portugal

When her mother traveled back to Lisbon to research her family’s Portuguese roots, Lori Lange caught the heritage bug. She pored over photographs from her mother’s travels and paged through David Leite’s cookbook, The New Portuguese Table , for ideas and inspiration. Then she threw a dinner party to share this newfound knowledge with friends.

How to decorate : Lange showcased Portugal’s rustic, old-world beauty in her table decorations. She used a red tablecloth and richly patterned runner to create a warm backdrop, then added brown woven placemats reminiscent of Lisbon’s cobblestone streets. She topped off each setting with thick ceramic plates and bowls. Centerpieces included vases filled with wine corks, wrapped in raffia, and adorned with chunky candles, a visual nod to the country’s fine wines. (Visit recipegirl.com for more photographs.)

What to serve : “When I put on a party, I like to make it as authentic as possible,” says Lange, who even contacted cookbook author Leite to make sure she got the recipes just right. Her menu included appetizers of green olive dip and smoked ham with melon; a Portuguese salad made with green peppers, cucumbers and plum tomatoes; a spicy pork stew with clams and red pepper sauce; and roasted potatoes with smoked sausage and tomatoes. Guests sipped sangria before dinner and sampled Portuguese wines throughout the meal. Lange said guests raved about dessert: an orange cake (bolo de laranja) made with olive oil instead of vegetable oil. For more Portuguese menu options, visit David Leite’s site .

What to do : Lange’s dinner party conversation centered on the Portuguese culture, which Lange could describe from her mother’s travels and her own research. If you want to pre-empt any awkward silences, take it one step further and leave a conversation card with a fun fact about the featured locale at each place setting. “That way everyone can learn something new about the country,” she says. For background music, keep it classical with 12-string guitar legend Carlos Paredes or reach for a more contemporary sound, such as Rodrigo Leão’s O Mundo album.

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Party Ideas

25 Fiesta-Ready Cinco de Mayo Desserts

Super Bowl Snacks That Will Win Game Day

These Dinner Party Ideas Are Surprisingly Simple

40 Easy Finger Food Ideas Perfect for Parties

42 Easy Potluck Dishes That Will Still Wow a Crowd

Fall Cocktails That Taste Like a Cozy Sweater

60 Easy Memorial Day Side Dishes

22 Super Bowl Drinks to Please a Crowd

These St. Paddy's Appetizers Have Us Feeling Lucky

Spicy Margarita

80 Best Party Dip Recipes

How to Throw An Amazing Travel-Themed Party

Once upon a time in what seems like a previous life, I spent a decade working in the event industry, mostly as an event stylist. It was only natural that when someone asked me about travel themed party ideas, I had a lot of thoughts on the matter. Here I walk you through throwing a travel-inspired bash from the invitation, all the way through to the party favours.

More than just travel

Ok, you’ve decided on a travel theme but there are a few more things to consider first. There are lots of different aspects of travel to channel and it will help to narrow your theme down to something more specific. Think about who or what the party is celebrating and let that guide you. Is it a bridal shower, retirement, birthday or going away party? If so, you may need to consider that special someone’s age, gender, interests and style along with that of your guests. Here are just a few ways to interpret a travel theme:

• Vintage travel – Think old maps and leather suitcases, muted pastels and brass compasses.
• Transport – Planes, trains… Imagine a glamorous Orient Express do, or a whimsical hot air balloon theme taking you anywhere you dream.
• Focus on a destination – Create a Hawaiian Luau to a Mexican Fiesta, an Irish shindig to a French-themed fete.
• National flags – Casual vexillologists will love showing off their knowledge of world flags, a great conversation-starting theme.
• Around the World in Cocktails – A cocktail party exploring the origins of your favourite mixed beverages.
• Travel Trivia Tournament – Can be a romantic night for two or extend to a bigger group of adults.

Travel themed party invitations

The key to a great themed party is weaving the theme into every aspect, start to finish. Sometimes it’s easy and obvious, other times it takes a little more creativity. Let’s begin with invitation ideas. Your invitation will set the tone for the entire party, so consider how it works in with the overall look and feel. Don’t forget to list the following on your invites:

• Date and time
• Theme (especially if it’s fancy dress)
• Dress code (as above)
• Set catering expectations, don’t leave your guests hanging wondering if they should eat beforehand or worse, leaving early because they’re hungry (e.g. finger food provided).
• What people may bring along (e.g. BYO favourite alcoholic beverage, or bring along a dessert to share)
• RSVP date and contact details (ask people to mention any dietary restrictions e.g. vegetarian, gluten free etc)

Food & drink

First, consider the style of the party including the number of guests, space and budget. Is it going to be standing room only, in which case you’ll provide finger food on trays or set up a buffet? Will it be a more intimate, sit down affair? Do you have the seating required? Also, are you buying or making the food or a combination of both? What are your capabilities?

Now get creative. Are you going to theme the food around a particular destination? Alternatively, maybe you go for regular party food, but present it with a travel twist such as aeroplane cake toppers or served on map lined tray. Here are some examples of both:

Travel themed party decorations

When decorating for a party, you can go from 0 to 100 in less than 10 seconds, so make sure you have a budget in mind. Think about things you already own and can repurpose, or if you’re buying something new, how can you use it again? Are you a crafty DIY type who loves to make your own custom pieces, or do you just want something simple and out of the box? Here are travel themed party decoration ideas:

Here are a few sources for travel themed party decor:

Etsy are especially great for vintage-style travel party decor using maps to create items like bunting, favours and seating charts. Amazon is also towing the trend for vintage map-inspired travel party decorations. Oriental Trading takes a little more scouring to unearth their classier travel themed decorations, but there are some great pieces like world globe balloons and pastel suitcases for centrepieces.

For destination themes, check out Meri Meri for tropical decor ,  Coterie for Italian-tile inspired vibes and Sweet LuLu for a Mexican fiesta.

Don’t forget your local thrift store, Facebook Marketplace, eBay and for basic items like vases, candle holders etc. You might find a couple offloading once-used wedding decor!

Setting the mood

Music! You must have music. Create a playlist in advance so on the day, you just have to hit play. Lighting is another sure-fire way to set a mood. If your soiree is a daytime outdoor bbq, you need not be concerned. However, don’t forget lighting for night events, whether it’s lowering the lights and sparking up some candles on the dinner table or creating a festive mood with something a little more disco-esque. Get my Spotify Travel Party Playlist here…

Travel themed party favors

Do you want to send guests home with a memento? What is the age range or interests of the group? Taking home a polaroid from the photo booth might be enough, or you might want to send kids home with something sugary.

Take the time to write a short note or send a quick email to thank guests for coming, especially if they brought a gift. If you are writing a physical note, think about using a postcard or a design that will echo your invitation to round out the event.

Enjoy throwing your travel themed party, and don’t forget to drop your thoughts, questions and ideas in the comments below.

Peace, love & inspiring travel, Madam ZoZo

Fabric of Life: Batik Textiles

How to enjoy a day in amish country, ohio, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Don't subscribe All new comments Replies to my comments Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

More From Forbes

Summer travel themes for groups and solo travelers.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Americans are likely to choose alternative travel destinations this year.

New research from Intrepid Travel has revealed that 84% of US adults will travel this summer but two in three are scaling back their plans due to the economy, seeking unexpected and affordable destinations. “Americans are more likely to choose alternative destinations over tried-and true tourist hotspots for their vacation due to increasing economic pressures, and we are excited to help them experience the road less traveled,” says Matt Berna, President of the Americas at Intrepid Travel.

The following travel themes offer both groups and solo travelers the chance to experience a wide variety of summer activities while enjoying a fun-filled vacation.

Hikers can discover a wide array of stunning landscapes.

Domestic Dupes Travel

As opposed to flying to Europe to experience Tour du Mont Blanc, The Wind River Range, Wyoming, is one of America’s great wilderness areas. Hikers can choose a favorite section of a 100-mile-long strip of stunning, jagged mountains extending southeast of Yellowstone National Park through Wyoming. If you’re looking for incredible views with no crowds, this is it. Wildland Trekking offers several Wind River Range hiking trips including llama treks that allow you to hike deep into these Wyoming mountains, and do it carrying only a light day pack.

Asheville is known for its wide variety of art.

Artistic Travel

For an off-the-beaten-path summer vacation, journey to the charming mountain town of Asheville, North Carolina, a haven for artists and foodies. With a thriving downtown that boasts a collection of art galleries, local boutiques, regular live music festivals and more than 60 breweries, Asheville offers a cultural experience that is sure to please the art lover. Stay in the midst of all the action by booking a room at the city’s newest hotel, Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown , which boasts a rooftop Italian-inspired eatery, Soprana Rooftop Cucina, with awe-inspiring views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Immerse in the vast landscape surrounding Grand Junction.

Nature Lovers Travel

With silent travel, slow tourism and unique, off-the-grid wellness experiences top of mind, Hotel Maverick ’s “Silence, Solitude and Serenity” program , in partnership with western Colorado native Zebulon Miracle, well known for his former hospitality role as “Curator of Curiosity,” offers guests the chance to immerse in the vast landscape surrounding Grand Junction. He provides a guided exploration of the remote canyonlands, which draw fewer crowds while rivaling the stunning natural features of destinations like Canyonlands National Park and the Grand Canyon. Throughout the customizable experience, guests will venture into some of the less explored and remote areas of Western Colorado to learn and listen to the eons of geology, centuries of history and countless natural wonders.

Activities are centered around horseback riding excursions.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, equine travel.

C Lazy U Ranch , an all-inclusive experience with 8,500 acres of land to explore and more than 200 horses to meet, welcomes all family members to enjoy their own activities during their stay. C Lazy U is committed to family focused programming that allows for a balanced mix of shared moments and personal time. Centered around horseback riding excursions, the ranch offers robust kids and teens programs for ages three to 17 with designated experienced counselors, where each group engages in camp-like activities bringing imagination and adventure to life. Teens are given the chance to partake in pursuits such as whitewater rafting trips, the ropes course, cattle clinics, go-cart racing and overnight camping.

Enjoy a fine glass of wine after a day of adventure.

Coastal Culinary Travel

Summer on the coast just hits different, and whether traveling to the east or west it’s the salty ocean air, coastal design influences and freshly caught seafood that capture travelers seeking a waterfront escape. At  The Lodge at Bodega Bay , nautical design and spacious layouts in freshly renovated rooms and suites transport guests to what feels like a private island getaway, situated along the Pacific Coast Highway and the rugged Sonoma Coast. Just steps from Doran Beach, one of Sonoma Coast’s most popular summer destinations, guests receive day passes and equipment for all ages, setting the scene for a relaxing day at the beach or coastal adventures of kitesurfing, paddle boarding and whale watching. After a day of exploring the picturesque fishing village of Bodega Bay, guests can retreat to the property’s signature restaurant, Drakes Sonoma Coast, serving locally sourced coastal California cuisine by new executive chef Christopher Lemerand.

Guests can learn the basics of surfing.

Olympian Travel

Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, Dana Point is a pristine California beach town welcoming travelers to learn two up-and-coming Olympic sports, surfing and sailing. A coastal escape with boundless opportunity for seaside adventures, Dana Point’s ties to surfing are deeply rooted. The destination offers visitors authentic surf experiences, from learning about the sports evolution at the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center to participating in private surf lessons for all ages and skill levels with Girl in the Curl Surf Shop. Guests can also put their sailor cap on to set sail at sea with Westwind Sailing, which provides safe and educational sailing lessons and rentals. For those who wish to be at the Olympic Games in Paris, Dana Point visitors can indulge in French-inspired dining at Maison Café + Market, a breezy European culinary shop serving hearty seasonal plates and libations, and at Bonjour Café, an intimate bistro offering daytime café fare.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Join The Conversation

One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts. 

Forbes Community Guidelines

Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.

In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site's  Terms of Service.   We've summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.

Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain:

• False or intentionally out-of-context or misleading information
• Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language or threats of any kind
• Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author
• Content that otherwise violates our site's  terms.

User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:

• Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected
• Racist, sexist, homophobic or other discriminatory comments
• Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk
• Actions that otherwise violate our site's  terms.

So, how can you be a power user?

• Stay on topic and share your insights
• Feel free to be clear and thoughtful to get your point across
• ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ to show your point of view.
• Protect your community.
• Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules.

Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site's  Terms of Service.

Universal Orlando opens ‘DreamWorks Land’ with Shrek, Kung Fu Panda soon. What to know

I f you've ever wanted to live in a fairy tale like Shrek, become a dragon warrior like Po or go on an adventure like Poppy, now is your chance.

Universal Orlando will unveil its newest land soon, with " DreamWorks Land " set to make its official debut Friday, June 14 .

The highly anticipated new DreamWorks Land is the new themed environment inspired by DreamWorks Animation films and characters. Guests can explore the vivid worlds of some of the most beloved animation characters in history.

Whether you already have plans to check out the new park, you might be curious what exactly will be housed in this new immersive land. Here's what future parkgoers should know before heading into DreamWorks Land.

Where is DreamWorks Land in Florida? New location at Universal Orlando used to be Woody Woodpecker's KidZone

DreamWorks Land at Universal Orlando is the new themed environment inspired by DreamWorks Animation films and characters. It will be located in the former spot of Woody Woodpecker's KidZone, near the Animal Actors show and E.T. Adventure ride.

Four movies, shows are highlighted throughout DreamWorks Land

Curious what iconic characters you can hang out with? DreamWorks Land will feature attractions from these franchises and shows:

• Kung Fu Panda
• Gabby's House

In an interview with USA TODAY, park creators said these were their best and biggest franchises. 

"There's a timelessness to these characters, but then the closeness of our relationship between DreamWorks and the parks lets us make sure that they're able to be as up to speed and cutting edge as possible," Michael Vollman, executive vice president of marketing at DreamWorks Animation, told USA TODAY.

DreamWorks Land at Universal Orlando in Florida offers interactive play areas, character meetups and shows

In total, there will be five new interactive play areas:

• Shrek's Swamp for Little Ogres
• King Harold’s Swamp Symphony
• Mama Luna’s Feline Fiesta 
• Poppy's Playground
• Po's Kung Fu Training Camp

As for shows, there will be two shows — "Po Live" and DreamWorks "Imagination Celebration." "Po Live" gives kids a chance to meet the legendary dragon warrior, portrayed by Jack Black in all four films, having the character depicted on a large screen and answering live questions thanks to a voice actor behind-the-scenes.

DreamWorks "Imagination Celebration" brings together characters from the different franchises, singing and dancing to iconic songs from their movies.

You can even meet your favorite characters if you head to DreamWorks Character Zone or Shrek's Swamp Meet through the day. Times for the characters will be posted on signs in front of each building.

In an interview with USA TODAY, the land's creators spoke about the importance of having a space for families and younger parkgoers, saying it was motivating to create a "really fun environment where kids can play freely."

" … We've really consciously tried to put as much interactivity into the land as possible, and to really maximize the fun factor. So there are interactions that are digital. There are interactions that are physical. There are interactions with characters. There are interactions with water," Dean Orion, creative director of Universal Creative at Universal Orlando Resort, said. "There are animated figures, and there's just tons of shows. There's going to be shows with characters all day long, so it really is going to be just a great destination for families with younger people."

There's only one ride in DreamWorks Land at Universal Orlando in Florida

For those wanting to check out a bunch of rollers coasters and thrill rides, you might want to check out other areas of the park before exploring DreamWorks Land.

There is only one new ride in the new land, a Trolls-inspired coaster called the "Trolls Trollercoaster." The family-friendly coaster's design is supposed to mimic the "Caterbus" seen in the movies.

According to Orlando Parenting , riders must be 36 inches to ride the roller coaster, with those between 36 and 48 inches needing an adult to accompany them. The Orlando Parenting post also notes the ride's queue is partially shaded, so load up on the sunscreen and consider bringing hats.

Shrekzels, anyone? New DreamWorks Land has themed treats for foodies

Better come with an appetite, there are two quick-service stands in DreamWorks Land. In Shrek's section, the Orlando Informer details the items at " Swamp Snacks, " from waffles to hot dogs:

• Far Far A Waffle , $11.49 - Pepperoni or Ham & Cheese
• Shrekzel , $12.29- Pretzel served with cheese
• Swamp Dog , $9.49 - Hot dog "Oozing green cheese hot dog wrapped in pizza tree bark"
• Mud Puddle Pudding , $5.99 -Chocolate pudding, cookie crumbs, cookie cake, and gummy bugs
• Frozen Ogre Sour Apple Ice Pop  – $6.99
• Chonkey Donkey Chocolate Ice Pop  – $6.99

Over in Trolls, there are dessert items at "Troll Treats." Orlando Informer shares these two main menu items:

• Poppy-licious Pink , $7.49 - Pink Lemonade Soft Serve with Flower Sprinkles
• BroZone Berry , $7.49 - Huckleberry Soft Serve

DreamWorks Land isn't the only new thing on June 14, 2024

If you are heading to the theme park anytime after next week, keep an eye out for other new additions to the park.

Officials announced earlier this year other entertainment that will make a debut: a new parade, nighttime lagoon show and lights show over Hogwarts Castle at Universal Orlando's Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade.

What's new at Universal: Universal Orlando sets date for DreamWorks Land, Hogwarts Always coming summer 2024

“We are thrilled to debut an array of never-before-seen experiences for the entire family to enjoy from day to night,” Karen Irwin, President & COO of Universal Orlando Resort said in an April press release. “These new experiences – coupled with the amazing attractions currently in our theme parks – will allow our guests to create lasting memories that will make this summer truly unforgettable.”

Universal Orlando does offer Florida resident discounts

Worried the summer crowds will mean you won't get to fully experience everything in the new land? The theme park does offer a “ Buy 2 Days, Get 2 Days Free on a 2-Park 2-Day ” deal exclusively to Florida residents.

Ticket prices for the deal vary by day. According to its website, adult tickets start at $234.99 plus tax and a children's ticket starts at $226.99 plus tax.

Florida residency requirements:

• Valid Florida driver's license

• Valid Florida-issued state ID or government-issued ID with a Florida address
• Valid Florida voter registration card with corresponding photo ID
• Valid college ID from a Florida college or university

Guests also have the option to upgrade their ticket to include Universal Orlando's Volcano Bay water theme park for an added fee. You can purchase or learn more about the “Buy 2 Days, Get 2 Days Free on a 2-Park, 2-Day Ticket” offer  here .

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Universal Orlando opens ‘DreamWorks Land’ with Shrek, Kung Fu Panda soon. What to know

Disney and Universal: How to survive Florida theme parks in the summer heat, ways to stay cool

Summer is here and the kids are done with school! Last year, 35.1 million visitors came to Florida between July and September.

AccuWeather predicts this summer will be hot in Florida ― as usual.

If you're planning on making a trip to a Florida theme park this summer, make sure you know the best ways to stay cool. Here's what to know.

How hot will it be in Florida this summer?

AccuWeather says Florida's Panhandle and parts of North Florida may see temperatures one to two degrees higher than average this summer.

The rest of Florida will have typical summer temperatures.

"High water temperatures will influence air temperatures," AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Forecaster Paul Pastelok said. "With a high-pressure system in place, with the sun beating down, it won't take much to get into the 90s."

Most Florida theme parks are in Orlando, where summer temperatures typically reach the 90s.

How do I keep cool at theme parks?

Don't let the heat and humidity keep you away from the fun of Florida theme parks. Here's some tips about staying cool even in Florida temperatures.

• Get to the park early, take a mid-day break, and come back in the evening when temperatures drop again.
• Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink water
• Utilize the theme park water fountains to fill up a water bottle
• Stick to light colors and materials
• Avoid long sleeves and pants, or make sure they're moisture-wicking and breathable
• Bring a hat to protect your face and scalp from the sun
• Florida theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Stuidos, and SeaWorld have maps of their parks posted online. You can use these maps to figure out which areas are shaded or air-conditioned.
• These first aid stations will be prepared to care for you in case you get overheated

What are the symptoms of heat illness?

Be aware of  signs of heat-related illness . There's three main types: ramps, exhaustion, and stroke. Here's the symptoms of each.

• Heat cramps:  Muscle pains or spasms in your stomach, arms, or legs. If you experience, this, immediately find a cooler location and remove excess clothing.
• Heat exhaustion:  Look for heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, and vomiting. If you feel like you're experiencing this, find a place with AC, sip cool nonalcoholic beverages, and change into lightweight clothes.
• Heat stroke:  Internal body temperature, rapid and strong pulse, red skin, dizziness, and confusion. Call 911 or seek medical attention as soon as possible. While waiting for attention, cool your body in the shade or inside. Don't drink anything, but you can get into a cool bath or spray yourself with a hose.

What are the main theme parks in Florida?

• Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios
• SeaWorld , Orlando
• Busch Gardens , Tampa
• Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure , Orlando
• LEGOLAND , Winter Haven