2021 Gift Guide: Travel Experts Share Their Holiday Wishlists - Full-Time Travel

2021 Gift Guide: Travel Experts Share Their Holiday Wishlists

2021 Gift Guide: Travel Experts Share Their Holiday Wishlists

If finding the perfect gift for the travel lover/s in your life has you totally stumped, perhaps it's time for a little expert help? We asked some of our favorite people in the industry what goodies they are hoping to receive this year, and the results are definitely inspiring. From a top of the line coffee machine fit for an Italian espresso counter, to the ultimate compact capsules for storing toiletries and supplements, these travel-themed gifts are all winners, whatever your budget.

Courtesy of @chopsticksontheloose

We only recently got back from our month-long Interrail/Eurail trip around central Europe, but we loved it so much that our holiday wishlist would definitely include another Interrail Global Pass! Traveling by train is something we've really grown fond of over the years and we'd love to use a rail pass to explore the Scandinavian side of Europe.

Sarah & Eric, content creators behind @chopsticksontheloose

The New River Gorge, West Virginia: America's newest national park

A National Parks annual pass is high up on my wishlist, so I remember to prioritize traveling to the places that help me feel centered. I’m dying to visit the newest national park, The New River Gorge, in West Virginia in 2022! Plus, I would love a surprise Staycation with Pack Up + Go. The idea of someone else planning a quick, easy ‘getaway’ close to home so that I can relax and recharge is so appealing right now. 

Lillian Rafson, founder of Pack Up + Go

Four Seasons Plush Mattress

I would love the Four Seasons plush mattress for my new apartment in LA. I’ve stayed in Four Seasons properties all over the world and bought one of these mattresses for my home in Detroit. It’s the key to a really good sleep. 

Jessica Nabongo, content creator (@jessicanabongo) and founder of The Catch

Breville Duo Boiler

As a coffee fanatic who will continue to work remotely for the foreseeable future, I would love a Breville Duo Boiler for my home. Considering the amount I currently spend at my local coffee shop, I’m sure this thing will save me money in the long run!

Kimberly Motos, Full-Time Travel Content Marketing Manager

Courtesy of Basbas

I’m hoping for a bottle or two of Basbas - a herbal liqueur first distilled in the Balearic islands in 1499, that for the first time in history is available in the US this year. It contains 17 herbs and was once distilled by monks for its medicinal properties. 

Amy Chan, founder of Renew Breakup Bootcamp

Aqua Mare | Courtesy of Aqua Expeditions

On my wish list is a charter of the fabulous new Aqua Mare –  the first exclusive, ultimate luxury yacht operating in the Galapagos islands. You can choose to reserve just one cabin or take all seven for the most amazing family experience you could imagine.   

Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of Embark Beyond

Courtesy of Blancaneux Lodge

As a traveler who prioritizes wellness on the road, I love Elaa, a micro batch maker of living, raw, organic, vegan and 100% recyclable or biodegradable skin care. The Superfruit Siren Mask – a juicy experience of fresh fruits, antioxidants and superfoods – is a perfect way to decompress and rejuvenate after a long day behind the computer or on the road. I hope to use it on a trip to Francis Ford Coppola’s eco-luxury hideaway, Blancaneux Lodge in Belize. It’s a Kind Traveler hotel partner, so every booking includes a donation to the local charity, Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic. 

Jessica Blotter, founder and CEO of Kind Traveler

The Evergreen Collection from Cadence

I had the opportunity to stay at Villa Cora pre-pandemic and have been wanting to go back ever since. It was hands down the best hotel experience I have ever had - from the stunning historic villa, to the kind and attentive service, to the view overlooking Florence, everything was just perfect. I have also been coveting these Cadence Travel Capsules for awhile. I love the sleek design and eco-friendly nature of them. They're super cute, help keep everything organized, and are made from recycled ocean plastic. What's not to love!

Tara Cappel, founder of For The Love of Travel 

After traveling the U.S. and working remotely for the past four months, I’m looking forward to settling back in New York City again. I’m entering full nesting mode for winter and would like some lovely homeware items from Tucson-based ceramic artist Ursula Basinger. Her pieces conjure the beautiful colors and landscapes of Arizona, one of my favorite states. 

Esme Benjamin, Editor-in-Chief of Full-Time Travel

Read our 2020 Gift Guide for more inspiration >>

"This sculpture is called "Transmission" by artist Daniel Popper. Its a reminder that we are all rooted in love, unity and the divine. She stands a towering 28 feet tall and is located on Mojave Moon Ranch in Joshua Tree. The land is private property, so you can see it from the viewing platform off of Sunfair Road. And take it from me, it's best viewed at sunset."

Reel: @johnofah
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There's more to Greece than the white and blue buildings and the surrounding Mediterranean Sea. If you're planning a visit, check out these places below!

📍Kokkinopilos. Preveza
📍Verliga Dragon lake, Thessaly
📍Ithaca island, lonian Sea
📍Aoos springs lake, Epirus
📍Lake Prespes, Macedonia
📍Balda di Stringa waterfalls, Epirus
📍Meteora, Thessaly
📍Pelion, Thessaly
📍Lake Zorika, Epirus
📍Mt Lakmos
📍Crete island, Aegean Sea
📍Gistova Dragon lake, Macedonia

Reel: @farawayfarers
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Swim or kayak through the limestone cliffs of the Twin Lagoon, a must-visit destination for those traveling to Coron, Palawan, Philippines. It is called "twin" lagoon because it consists of two lagoons separated by a limestone cliff, with one lagoon on top of the other. The water in the inner lagoon is warm and clear, with a stunning turquoise color that makes it popular for swimming and snorkeling.

Reel: @travelifejournal
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Take a dip in a series of seven saltwater lagoons located in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. The Lagoons of Baltinache are known for their beautiful turquoise waters and unique geological formations. The high concentration of minerals in the water gives it a unique buoyancy that makes swimming in the lagoons a unique experience.

Reel: @everchanginghorizon
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Watching the sun rise above the clouds at Haleakalā National Park is one of the most memorable experiences you could have. Haleakalā is a Hawaiian name that means “House of the Sun” and is an awesome place to watch the clear night sky and stars fade away as the sun lights up the sky and the earth.

Reel: @girlchill_sunset
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Just 1 hour from Shanghai by train, Cherry Blossom Valley is a popular tourist destination, particularly in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The valley is named after the thousands of cherry blossom trees that cover the area and create a stunning display of pink and white flowers. The trees were originally planted in the 1980s by a group of Japanese experts who were invited to China to help with reforestation efforts. The best time to visit is typically in late March or early April. Get there early to beat the crowds!

Reel: @cyncynti
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New Zealand is unbelievable. See it for yourself:

1. Fiordland National Park
2. A classic backcountry hut trip
3. Blue Pools walk
4. Hooker Lake
5. Milford Sound
6. Lake Pukaki

Reel: @kylekotajarvi
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Surrounded by lush greenery, towering karst mountains, and the river flowing through, the Detian Waterfall is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the close relationship between China and Vietnam. It is the largest waterfall in Asia and the fourth largest cross-border waterfall in the world.

Reel: @sophoebelous
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Escape to a serene and peaceful oasis away from the bustling city of Marrakech at Le Jardin Secret—a beautiful and historic garden where visitors can escape the noise and chaos and enjoy the beauty of nature. The garden was originally built in the 16th century and is home to many different species of plants, including exotic flowers, citrus trees, and palm trees.

Reel: @hypermiggzz
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For a magical moment and bucket list travel experience, visit the end point of the annual monarch butterfly migration. Starting in August, the monarchs travel 2,800 miles south from Canada, making a temporary home amid the towering trees of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Mexico, where the two most popular sanctuaries to view them are el Rosario in the state of Michoacan and Piedra Herrada in Estado de México. Standing in silence while thousands of delicate wings beat in unison is something you'll never forget.

Reel: @juliiathompson
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There's just something beautiful about snow covered landscapes like this popular attraction in southwestern Utah. Known for its unique geology, @brycecanyonnps_gov consists of a series of natural amphitheaters, called "hoodoos," formed by erosion of the rock layers.

Photo: @nathanleeallen
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As we experience a couple more weeks of winter, we can't help but dream of tropical destinations like Hawaii. The warm water, sunny skies, and consistent waves make it an ideal destination for surfers. Hawaii has a vibrant surf culture and community and is also a beautiful place to explore outside of the water, with lush green mountains, stunning beaches, and unique cultural experiences.

Reel: @christopherballadarez
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5 PLACES IN THE U.S. THAT FEEL LIKE ANOTHER PLANET:
1. @sequoiakingsnps, California
2. @canyonlandsnps, Utah
3. @olympic_nps, Washington
4. @whitesandsnps, New Mexico
5. Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona
6. Knik Glacier, Alaska

Reel: @nathanleeallen
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