Celebrate Their Journey With These Original Bon Voyage Gifts
When your loved one leaves for a cruise or another vacation, it's hard to know what kind of gift is appropriate. After all, they're going away on vacation — not leaving forever!
Bon voyage gifts should be lighthearted and fun. and a practical item, but there are lots of options in between. Depending on the type of trip and the personality of the traveler, you may want to choose a more sentimental or practical option.
In this article, we'll take a look at some different types of bon voyage gifts and explore some options within each category.
How We Choose
We read hundreds and hundreds of online reviews paying close attention to customer satisfaction, unique ability, and price, and curated the best gifts for friends and family members who are taking a trip soon. No matter what their interests, are or where they are off to, we have something perfect for them.
Passport and Vaccine Card Holder
Why it's on the list:
This gift idea is one of the most practical ones that they can use on all of their trips.
The Passport and Vaccine Card Holder Combo is a great choice for those who want a simple, slim design that still offers protection.
The cover even features a blocking interior to keep their information safe from identity thieves.
And it has a sleek design so they can easily slip it into their bag or pocket when traveling, making sure all the important documents are protected at all times.
The Best Part: It comes in several different colors making it easy to find one that would be perfect for their style
From Reviews:
Pros:
- It has gone all over the world with no issues
- I love the quality materials and my vaccine card and passport fit perfectly
- Excellent customer service from the seller
Cons:
- I was disappointed it didn't fit my UK Passport
- I wish it had a way to be put around your neck
- They are bulky and don't fit in pants pockets
Going Places Necklace
Why it’s on the list:
This Necklace is a great way to show your support and friendship,
The pendant features a compass symbolizing security and protection, and the packaging has a meaningful and heartfelt message about their journey.
Although it's not one of the best quality gifts on the list, it makes up for it with how meaningful it is.
The Best Part: Packaged with a heart envelope
From Reviews:
Pros:
- It's a super cute necklace
- I love this I wear it all the time
- The quote card was so cute I taped it to my journal
Cons:
- It tarnished and turned my neck green
- It broke after a few times wearing it
- A little smaller than I expected
Page-A-Day Artisan Travel Journal
Why it's on the list:
A journal is a great bon voyage gift and this one is a wonderful choice for anyone looking to record their travels and experiences.
It has a beautiful design, with cloud and travel motifs on the cover and decorative stitching on the binding.
The pages are lined, making it easy to write in, and the paper used is of archival quality, so they can use different varieties of pens.
And it's the perfect size for fitting into most bags and backpacks, making it easy to take along on any travels or weekend getaways.
The Best Part: One page per day which alleviates the pressure to write so much
From Reviews:
Pros:
- Most beautiful journal I’ve had
- I love the cover
- It’s a perfect gift for someone who is traveling
Cons:
- A little heavy if you’re wanting to pack light
-No other cons that we found
Travel Laptop Backpack
Why it's on the list:
Who goes on a trip without their laptop? And this backpack is specifically designed for laptops which makes it a great choice for anyone embarking on a journey.
The bag is also water resistant so they won't have to worry if they end up getting caught in the rain, like in a romantic movie.
It has plenty of space to fit other essentials, including room for books, their sleep mask, snacks, or any small items for the plane. And get this- It even has a USB port with a cord, to connect to a portable charger!
And with multiple color choices, it will make it easy to find one that matches their taste.
The Best Part: It's Anti-theft with a fixed password lock
From Reviews:
Pros:
- Made my trip so much easier
- Very stylish and durable
- All the different pockets and storage space, USB everything i need
Cons:
- The water bottle holder is only for shorter bottles
- The backpack doesn’t stand up
- Doesn’t fit my Acer 15.6 Gamer
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter for Hiking, Camping, Travel, and Emergency Preparedness
Why it's on the list: Everyone should have one of these in their travel kit!
This Personal Water Filter is a great option for hikers, campers, and anyone who wants to have access to clean water on the go.
It's easy to use and lightweight, making it ideal for those who want to keep their pack light while still having access to safe drinking water.
This straw is able to remove 99.99% of bacteria and parasites from the water before it goes through the filter!
And, The LifeStraw comes with a sealed bag containing the filter so there's no need to carry extra bottles or bags.
The Best Part: For Every Lifestraw Product Purchased, A School Child In Need Receives Safe Drinking Water For An Entire School Year.
From Reviews:
Pros:
- It’s a lifesaver if you’re hiking and run out of water
- I use this as my personal defiltration straw everywhere
- Everyone should have these in their emergency kit
Cons:
- You have to use a strong suction to get the water to flow
- I bought 5 as gifts and only received 1 manual
- It doesn’t filter out chemicals
Travel Mirror with Light
Why it’s on the list:
Everyone needs a small mirror in their bag, and this travel mirror is a great little product that's perfect for on-the-go use.
It's small and lightweight and has a two-sided design, for a magnified view or regular.
The mirror itself is very clear - even in bright sunlight, and in the dark, the LED lights simulate natural light for a flawless look.
The Best Part: It's rechargeable and also comes with batteries
From Reviews:
Pros:
- I’m delighted with this mirror
- It’s perfect for putting my rubberbands on my braces
- The light is nice and bright
Cons:
- Difficult to open
- Battery dies quickly
- The light isn’t on the magnifying side
Jet Set Candy Charms
Why it's on the list:
Surprise them with the most extravagant and unique items on our list for that extra "wow you shouldn't have" reaction.
Jet Set Candy is the first of its kind: a premium line of travel-inspired jewelry that is playful, and just a little cheeky.
You can choose from a variety of charms, one for their destination, a luggage tag, a passport, and so many other adorable options, including something customizable.
Whatever you choose will be sure to bring a smile to their face, and don't just take our word for it Forbes said Jet Set Candy reinvented travel souvenirs and their customers agree!
The Best Part: The gorgeous gift packaging, box, bag,
Pros:
- I received a charm bracelet as a gift, and I couldn't be happier with everything about it
- It's beautiful. All of the charms from Jet Set Candy are amazing, I have 15!
- Love it!!!! Can’t wait to get more!
Cons:
- The charm took forever to ship
- Adorable but probably not worth the price
Mini First Aid Kit
Why it’s on the list:
It's always a good idea to have a first aid kit with you especially if you are traveling.
The Hangzhou AOSI Healthcare First Aid Kit is a good choice if you're looking for something that's both affordable and has a wide range of useful items.
The mini pouch contains everything needed to clean and dress minor wounds, while the 110-piece hospital-grade first aid supplies also include bandages, gauze, tape, and other essentials.
The compact design makes it easy to store in any backpack, carry-on, or car, making it perfect for any trip.
The Best Part: It has an emergency blanket
From Reviews:
Pros:
- Nice and compact but has everything you need
- I have had to use it and it worked well
- It even has an emergency blanket
Cons:
- The bag is cheap, I spilled sunscreen and the words came off the bag and it bled all over my stuff
- Doesn’t have Benadryl or Tylenol
- Not organized well
Pro Tip: Many reviewers have advised you to take everything out and reorganize it the way that works for you
Collapsible Water Bottle
Why it’s on the list:
Traveling with a water bottle through airports has become a pain since it can't be full going through security, making a collapsible water bottle a brilliant gift idea!
The Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle is leak-proof and easy to drink from, making it perfect for hikes, road trips, and plane travel.
The bottle is also dishwasher safe and comes with a lifetime warranty so you can feel confident in its quality.
And, since it collapses it barely takes up any space which is essential when you are traveling.
The Best Part: made of 100% food-grade materials; free of BPA, BPS, PVC, phthalates, lead, and latex
From Reviews:
Pros:
- Perfect for airplane travel and barely takes up any room
- Customer service is the best I've experienced
- Rolls up nicely and doesn’t leak
Cons:
- I like everything but the price
- Using the microwave will void the warranty
- It has a plastic taste
Pro tip: Some reviewers have commented on a quick fix that comes in the instructions for the plastic taste
Electronic Organizer
Why it's on the list:
If they plan on traveling with a phone, laptop, charger, and whatever else they can't live without, the Electronic Organizer Bag is a great choice!
It comes with two layers of storage, making it perfect for those that insist on the perfect organization.
It even has a hand strap and zip closure
The Best Part: It comes in so many different colors
From Reviews:
Pros:
- Now I can always find my charger
- It even fits my charging bank, and everything else
- I have OCD which means everything needs to "live" somewhere and this is the answer
Cons:
- The light gray wasn't as pretty as I hoped
- I couldn't get the zipper to close
- It was bulky once I had everything inside
Mini Portable Charger for iPhone
Why it's on the list:
It's always a good idea to have a portable charger while traveling because you never want to be caught without a charged phone.
The iWalk Power Bank is a great choice for anyone looking for a compact emergency power source.
It connects right to the phone without a cord and can be charged at the same time you are charging a phone.
The Best Part: The size of a lipstick
From Reviews:
Pros:
- I liked it so much I bought more for my kids
- I was able to get 2 days of charging
- The port has a cover so all the gunk from my purse doesn’t get inside
Cons:
- Doesn’t give my phone a full charge
- It’s heavy
- It’s okay, but only for shorter trips
Please note: Many of the cons were that it doesn't fully charge a phone. It is still a great charger to have because it works and is so compact.
Waterproof Dry Bag
Why it’s on the list:
A dry bag is a handy item to have for the beach, lake, or river trips, or even to keep your items safe in wet weather, making it a perfect choice as a bon voyage gift.
The Earth Pak even has a separate waterproof case designed so they can still take photos while their phone is in the case!
It's a lightweight bag and folds tightly so it won't take up much space in their bag.
The Best Part: A shoulder and a waist strap
From Reviews:
Pros:
- This was fantastic for my river trip in Jamaica
- Brought it to the beach for a week and everything was dry
- My cell phone was even dry after falling off the raft
Cons:
- The Earth Pak is wonderful but it needs to be packaged more eco friendly
- The buckle is cheap
- Not waterproof
Please note: Several reviewers have said that it isn't 100% waterproof so use caution before submerging valuables in water, or test first
Bon Voyage Gifts FAQs
It can be tough to know what to get for the travelers in your life.
With all of the questions about what's appropriate, where to buy it and how much you should spend, it can be a real challenge to find the perfect gift.
To help alleviate some of that stress and make your shopping easier, we've compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions.
Are You Supposed To Give Bon Voyage Gifts?
As the name implies, bon voyage gifts are given to friends and loved ones who are traveling. Traditionally, these gifts are meant to bring good luck and safety on the trip. Although there is no “right” type of gift for this occasion, many people choose items that can be used on the trip such as a book about local customs or a set of luggage tags.
When it comes to giving a bon voyage gift before someone travels by boat, plane, or automobile, you should consider the length of their journey and how well they're prepared for it. If they're taking an international vacation or driving cross country for weeks at a time, choosing something more practical like a portable charger may be more appropriate.
Do People Still Have Big Bon Voyage Parties?
Yes. It's a tradition that has been passed down from one generation to the next
It is the perfect way for people to get together, celebrate, and say goodbye to their loved ones in style. Many families have traveled together for generations, and having a party before leaving home can be exciting for everyone.
Bon voyage parties also give people an opportunity to show off the places they live or vacation spots they visit.
Do You Need To Have A Vaccination Card To Travel?
As with any trip, it's a good idea to have all your travel documents in order before you leave home. This includes your passport and any other documentation needed for entry into the countries you'll be visiting. If you're traveling within the United States, no additional documentation is required unless you're crossing international borders on a cruise ship. For this purpose, it's helpful to have either a copy of your birth certificate or proof of U.S. citizenship. Many cruises will require vaccination proof on embarkation day depending on the guidelines, so it's important to note that having up-to-date information on vaccinations.
In many cases, like most countries outside North America, vaccination card requirements vary by country and region so check with your doctor if you plan on traveling abroad soon after receiving an immunization shot. Your healthcare provider can provide specific details on which cards need to be shown when entering each country so that usually works best when making plans far in advance since some vaccine record services offer cards only in English while others may be available in other languages depending upon what they stock locally and how far ahead they fill orders based on demand from their customers who need them quickly for upcoming trips abroad
The "lifestraw" Is This Really A Safe Tool?
The lifestraw is a product that has been on the market for several years now, and it continues to be one of the best portable water filters available. It uses advanced hollow fiber technology to filter out bacteria, viruses, and even some parasites from contaminated water sources.
The device only needs about 12 inches of water in order to properly filter it. Because of this, you can fill up your bottle or container directly from fairly shallow sources without having to scoop or pump any additional water. The device also includes a UV light that helps kill off any bacteria introduced after the initial filtration process.
Many experts agree that this is one of the most effective tools for providing clean drinking water in emergency situations like natural disasters or floods where access to safe tap water may be compromised for an extended period of time. However, it's important to remember that this type of tool is not intended as a long-term solution when potable water resources are unavailable in your community due to infrastructure issues (though many people depend on them during times when their taps go dry).
What Type Of Gift Should You Get For A Bon Voyage Party?
When trying to come up with gift ideas for your bon voyage party, think about what kind of relationship you have with the person who's leaving. If it's a close friend or relative, something sentimental is appropriate but not necessary; just being there will say goodbye in a way that nothing else can.
If the person is less close to you, you may want to get something practical and useful for their trip. Be sure that your gift is respectful and tasteful — no gag gifts!
Conclusion
Bon voyage gifts are great for celebrating someone's upcoming trip. Whether you're looking to buy a gift for your child who is going on their first international trip or shopping for your brother who is taking an extended vacation abroad, there are lots of options available. Think about what type of journey they're going on-short-term holiday, long-term relocation, an extended stay in a rustic cabin, and what their interests might be. Consider price points too – if it's a last-minute purchase, budget-friendly options will be available. With so many options out there, it's easy to find the perfect bon voyage gift!
Thanks for reading and Happy Shopping!
Stacy