It’s always tricky buying Christmas presents for backpackers. They’re constantly moving from place to place, with a bag too full to fit anything else in it. What on earth makes a good gift that a backpacker will actually use and need, then?
We’re here to help.
The best Christmas gift you can buy for a backpacker (other than money) is a fun experience, or something that will cut down travel costs. Here are some cool gift experiences/or a subscription that any backpacker would love to receive (that takes up no space in a backpack at all)...
The gift of travel after all, is the best gift of all.
1. AIRLINE GIFT CARDS
An airline gift card could be the perfect present for a traveller. They’re always flying, why not buy them some air time? Budget airline, RyanAir for example sells gift vouchers ranging from £25 up to £200. The voucher can be used on all RyanAir routes, connecting the lucky receiver of this gift to over 185 destinations in 30 countries across Europe.
Virgin Atlantic, Norwegian Air and Delta are some of the other airlines that offer a gift card service.
2. CITYPASS IN PARTICULAR CITY
Owning a citypass is a fantastic way to explore a new city - which is why it makes the perfect Christmas gift. Most European cities will offer a city pass, offering free or discounted entry to most museums, free use of public transport plus more benefits. These tourist passes are also great for shorter trips because you can see more in less time. This gift will make your backpacker's experience in a new city that much better!
3. EURAIL PASS
Is your nomad planning to go interrailing from city to city, country to country? Then there’s no better gift than a Eurorail pass. The passes vary: you can choose from a 1 country pass, 2 countries, 3 and 4 enabling unlimited Eurail travel across your chosen countries. With a Eurail pass you’ll also benefit from discounted city passes, free and discounted travel on ferry routes as well as Swiss train benefits.
4. SPOTIFY PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP
your backpacker the gift of music. Being able to listen to music whenever you want to is a must-have when travelling. It’s the only way to get through long journeys, especially those dreaded overnight trips. £9.99 a month, no ads and you can listen from your phone!
5. SKYDIVE EXPERIENCE
A skydiving experience is something you’ll remember for a lifetime. It’s also one of those activities that’s on almost everybody’s bucket list. One of the most scenic, beautiful places to throw yourself out of a plane?
Interlaken in Switzerland. This 45 second freefall in the Bernese Oberland will literally take your breath away - and the views of the lakes and mountains below are magical. You can book through the Balmer’s hostel.
6. EASYJET PLUS MEMBERSHIP
We all know how long and tedious the whole airport process is: checking-in, going through security, waiting in queues. Make flying easier, cheaper and quicker for your backpacker with an Easyjet Plus membership. They’ll thank you for it!
Some of the perks of this membership includes: speedy boarding, fast-track security, a faster bag-drop service, an extra cabin bag plus more!
£199 for a year’s membership.
7. PARIS CATACOMBS TOUR
One of the most fascinating experiences in the City of Lights is the Catacombs tour. Take the eerie tour that unveils the hidden wonders of the Paris Catacombs. Delve back into history and learn why the bones of millions of people were left under the city in a complex maze of tunnels. This tour is in our opinion, one of the best tours in Paris - and something a little bit different. So if you’re going to book a tour as a Christmas gift, make it this one.
8. WATER RAFTING EXPERIENCE IN INTERLAKEN
Adrenaline junkies would be absolutely thrilled to receive a water rafting experience in Interlaken this Christmas. So if you know someone athletic and adventurous consider this gift. Interlaken has amazing rivers for rafting. Fast-flowing water that will really keep the adrenaline high. The mighty Lütschine offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the Swiss Alps.
9. SURF LESSONS
Surf lessons are such an awesome gift - especially if you know your backpacker has always wanted to learn to surf. One of the best seaside surfing destinations in the UK is Newquay. It just so happens, St Christopher’s Inns has a Level 4 approved Surf School right at the Newquay hostel! To book, just call the hostel directly at +44 (0)163 785 9111.
10. A PRIVATE ROOM IN A HOSTEL
After spending countless nights in dorm rooms, a backpacker would really appreciate the serenity of a hostels’ private room for a few nights. Backpackers are watching what they spend most of the time, so will often opt for dorm rooms (dorms are also great fun and great way to meet new people)! But sometimes, you just need your own space which is why a private room is the perfect gift.
11. A CHRISTMAS STAY IN LONDON (EQUIPPED WITH CHRISTMAS DINNER)
The life of a backpacker often means missing Christmas at home. Is your backpacker travelling over Christmas? Make your backpacker feel at home with a hostel stay in London, equipped with a delicious heart-warming Christmas dinner, games and drinks - a great way to make friends with other travellers.
London not for you? You can also book the same festive experience at our Edinburgh, Bath and Newquay. If you book now, you’ll receive 10% off the price.
12. BEER TASTING IN BERLIN
Know a beer lover and stuck on what to get them this Christmas? Then a beer tasting experience is a no brainer. Better yet, if you know they’re planning to go to Berlin this particular beer tour is fantastic. This 5 hour tour includes great tour guides, trips to local breweries, tasting of local craft beers, bar visits and lots of history about Berlin’s beer history. Great value for money too, for just 27 euros.