Gift Guide: Our picks for the culture lover

Our Gift Guide is here, and this installment is all about the culture lover. Everyone knows a traveler or two who’s passionate about learning everything there is to know about a destination’s history and culture. They’ll follow their curiosity all around the world and their first stop is almost always a museum. In search of gifts for a traveler like this? Get a start on your holiday shopping with our travel gift ideas for the culture lover below.

1. Travel books

Reading up on new destinations is the culture lover’s favorite way to prep for an upcoming trip. You can’t go wrong with these handy Wallpaper City Guides, which are full of information about can’t-miss local highlights—and offer up a bright pop of color, too. Or, check out these wanderlust-inspiring fiction and nonfiction travel book recommendations from our staff.**

2. Tickets to a local museum

Wandering through a museum doesn’t have to be an activity that’s only done while on tour. Surprise the culture lover in your life with day passes or a membership to a museum near their hometown. You can even offer to tag along on a visit to learn a thing or two about their favorite artists.

3. Travel journal

There are so many experiences to be had while exploring new cultures, and a journal is a perfect way to record them all. We like these Moleskin notebook, which offers plenty of space to jot down thoughts and has a pocket for storing memorabilia.

4. Portable games

Chances are, this type of traveler will be spending lots of time on the road making their way between cities. Small games, like magnetic chess and checkers set, can offer a little entertainment for a long plane, train, or bus trip. Not only will they help pass the time, but they can also give you a reason to get to know the passengers sitting nearby if you invite them to join.

5. A map to track travels

Along with plenty of past tours to track, the culture lover has an ever-growing travel wish list. This scratch-off map is a fun way to visualize past adventures. For more crafty travelers, cross stitch map can be personalized with each and every trip.

6. Packing cubes

Our staff is full of expert travelers who would never go on tour without packing cubes. These handy organizers, which can often be purchased as a set, are an ideal way to keep any suitcase neat and tidy. Clothes and other travel items can be grouped together to make unpacking and repacking a breeze while on a tour that visits multiple locales.

7. Personalized luggage tags

Every savvy traveler knows to have a tag on their baggage for easy identification at the airport. On a site like Shutterfly, you can create a personalized luggage tag featuring a travel quote or a photo from a culture lover’s favorite destination.

8. Coin purse

While out and about on a tour of Europe, there’s one thing every culture lover needs to have on hand: coins in the local currency. They’re useful for tipping your guides and making small purchases. Carry your coins in style using a travel-themed change purse, like this one with a map design on Etsy.

9. Go Ahead gift certificate

A Go Ahead gift certificate is a great way to share your love of travel. Available in any amount, gift certificates can be used toward any tour or excursion option for an experience that’s right up the culture lover’s alley. If you’re interested in purchasing one, give our team a call at 1.800.590.1170.

Need gift ideas for other types of travelers on your list? Check out the rest of the 2016 Go Ahead Gift Guides.